Student Interactivity Thread for the "Pre-Drywall Inspection Course"

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Task 3: Inspecting for Allowable Spans and Materials at a Home

In the realm of home construction, understanding allowable spans and materials is critical for ensuring structural integrity and safety. However, my engagement with this subject has led me to realize the complexities involved in accurately inspecting these aspects. While I find the information on allowable spans and materials both fascinating and challenging, I do not believe I am truly qualified to conduct on-site inspections of these technical components.

Firstly, possessing a rudimentary knowledge of spans and materials or knowing where to locate the requisite tables does not suffice for a comprehensive inspection. The nuances associated with each project’s unique architecture and local building codes require a depth of understanding that goes beyond my education and training. For example, different materials have varying load-bearing capacities, and specific spans may only be permissible based on numerous factors, including the type of structure and the materials used.

Secondly, my previous experience with pre-drywall inspections reveals that builders often do not provide opportunities to review the necessary plans. Since inspection of spans and materials necessitates detailed analysis of the construction drawings, a lack of access to these documents greatly hinders one’s ability to conduct a thorough assessment.

Ultimately, while I appreciate the significance of allowable spans and materials in residential construction, I recognize the need for specialized training and access to detailed plans to confidently inspect these elements on-site.

Task 4: The Importance of Inspecting Joist, Beam, and Girder Bearings in Residential Buildings

Inspection of joist, beam, and girder bearings is a critical aspect of maintaining the structural integrity of residential buildings.

Unlike the more complex considerations associated with allowable spans and materials, the task of visually inspecting these elements is more straightforward yet equally vital in ensuring a home’s overall safety and durability.

One of the primary benefits of inspecting bearing points is the ability to assess how these critical components function within the overall structure. Observing how joists overhang and ensuring proper use of joint hangers or hurricane ties can prevent future issues related to structural failure. These connections play an essential role in load distribution and can significantly affect the stability of the entire building.

Moreover, inspecting for proper cutting and notching techniques is crucial, particularly concerning tension and compression forces. Any improper adjustments made to these structural elements can lead to sagging or even catastrophic failures over time. Visually assessing these aspects allows inspectors to identify potential problems early, ultimately saving homeowners from costly repairs and ensuring safety.

In my experience, I have encountered instances where the presence of wooden knots in rafters has exceeded acceptable limits, specifically knots larger than one-third of the rafter width. Having the ability to recognize and call attention to such issues has empowered me to add tangible value to the inspection process. By identifying these deficiencies and recommending repairs, I contribute to both the home’s longevity and the homeowners’ peace of mind.

In conclusion, while my engagement with allowable spans and materials requires further education and access to plans, I find that the inspection of joist, beam, and girder bearings is a practical and effective method to contribute to construction quality and also affirms my role as a valuable asset in the construction and inspection process.

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Just passed the final exam! That was one of the more challenging courses, had me sweating in the exam too, I thought I was going to run out of time.

I have already reported it in the course feedback but thought I would mention it here too: there is no place to submit the final essay. Usually there is a placeholder on the same page as the essay instructions but that is missing for the final essay. Or did I miss it somehow?

Thanks Internachi for a great new course!

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Congrats, @marlow1. The course research and writing essay assignment has been fixed. Thank you.

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Looking forward to this course to increase my knowledge
I have been preforming this type of inspection for years, look forward to adding to my mental toolbelt

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The primary risk associated with insufficient decay protection is the potential development of structural damage due to water ingress and decay. In areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall, the risk increases significantly. Over time, constant exposure to moisture can lead to damage to critical structural components, including beams, girders and foundation elements, which can compromise the safety of building occupants.

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Thanks Ben. I went ahead and submitted my final essay. There is no place to add an image or photograph. That would probably be a good improvement since the essay refers to an image from the Internachi library.

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If it is the "Research and Writing" assignment as @bgromicko1 mentioned, the essay should be written about the "research " you conducted regarding a specific topic, subject, or issue. It’s not about writing about a picture.

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Task 1: Decay Protection Inspection Essay
Neglecting or conducting inadequate inspections for decay protection in residential buildings can lead to severe consequences. When moisture is allowed to penetrate and accumulate in wooden structures, it creates an ideal environment for mold, mildew, and rot to thrive. This can cause structural damage, leading to safety hazards, decreased property value, and costly repairs.

In the case of a newly constructed home, a thorough inspection for decay protection is essential. If the builder has not taken appropriate measures to prevent water intrusion and ensure proper ventilation, the foundation, framing, and other wooden components may be at risk. Over time, this can result in structural instability, mold growth, and even collapse.

By investing in regular inspections and addressing any issues promptly, homeowners can protect their property’s value, ensure the safety of their family, and avoid costly repairs down the line.

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Subject: The Significance of Span and Material Inspections

Inspecting for allowable spans and materials in a residential building is crucial for ensuring its structural integrity and safety. Proper span calculations and the use of appropriate materials prevent excessive deflection, which can lead to cracks, sagging, and even structural failure.

Neglecting or conducting inadequate inspections for spans and materials can have severe consequences. If a building is not designed and constructed with the proper spans and materials, it may be unable to withstand normal loads, resulting in structural damage and posing a risk to occupants.

In the case of a newly constructed home, a thorough inspection is essential to verify that the builder has adhered to building codes and used appropriate materials for the given spans. Failure to do so could lead to costly repairs, decreased property value, and potential safety hazards.

By investing in regular inspections and addressing any issues promptly, homeowners can protect their property’s value, ensure the safety of their family, and avoid costly repairs down the line.

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Course required few sentence essay –
Florida is well known for damage caused by termites. These destructive insects eat untreated wood, causing extensive damage that typically requires widespread repairs. Assessing new home construction methods are crucial for preventing termite access to building materials. If soil is not treated beneath the monolithic slab type foundation, or water intrusion prevention methods are not examined carefully during a pre-drywall inspection, wood framing members can be quickly damaged.

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Great to see this course available now! Thanks to all involved!

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Hi, I’ve been a contractor for 20+ years and taking this course is helpful.
I am supposed to comment on fasteners for treated lumber. I can tell from experience improper fasteners will decay in time. The code discuses types of fasteners required but this is taken one step further by treated wood manufacturer to ensure not just generic.
As an inspector I have seen drywall screws used for joist hangars on a new deck…I thought these were perfect (kidding). Also construction common nails not zinc or even lag bolts for this. In my area (Southern Indiana), and even other areas (my brother’s deck in South Carolina), I am sure contractor was after quick buck and homeowner none the less informed. It happens too often if not by scam as much as by ignorance on builders part…
Owen

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It cannot be overstated the importance of a pre-drywall inspection especially in the area of drainage and properly placed framing. The preventative measure to avoid wood rot and termite damage are critical. Proper measures for site drainage and proper use of appropriate building materials, clearances and fasteners are all critical factors in avoiding structural damages.

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Inspecting for decay protection in residential properties is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and preventing costly repairs. A thorough inspection begins with the foundation, where signs of moisture, cracks, or erosion can indicate vulnerabilities that may lead to wood rot or mold growth. It’s essential to ensure proper drainage systems, such as gutters and downspouts, are in place to divert water away from the foundation.

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Hello, can you. take a look at Fasteners Inspection Scenario 3 and see if the correct number of fasteners should be 13 rather than 9? The table shows snow load 20# is 9 but the scenario states 30#, with 4:12 slope, 24OC and 36’ span… this looks like it should be 13 16d nails. Can you confirm or am I looking at the wrong table? Just learning and trying to get it right. any help is appreciated.

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The fasteners section is by far the most confusing and mind-numbing section so far. I don’t understand where they are getting the answers to the quiz questions. They don’t correspond to the tables in the IRC (which are where they direct you to know and understand). I will have to go back and re-do that entire section about seventeen more times. Maybe a video explaining all of them and how to properly read each section and table would be helpful to clarify this conundrum.

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Hi, @jroberts91. I’ll take a closer look. In the meantime, just keep going.

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An urban row house goes through many renovations and remodels it =n the course of its life. A “gut” rehab is similar to new construction and pre drywall inspection of such involves much of the same concerns. However the wood to masonry contacts are likely to be undisturbed. This can make it difficult for an inspector to address methods of mitigating decay. This increases the importance of importance of examining the drainage in the front and rear as well as the handling of roof runoff.

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We fixed the course in relation to the max allowable span, @jmook. You’re correct. It’s 6-5.

  • Table R602.7(2): The maximum allowable span for a girder holding up two floors of a house that’s 24 feet wide when the girder is made of three 2x12s No. 2 Southern Pine is 6 feet 5 inches.
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Hi, @jroberts91. You’re right. It’s 13. We’ve corrected that and included a screenshot of the table search at InterNACHI® - International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Thank you.