This townhouse attic I inspected has drywall on the exterior side of the house with 2x4 framing on the flat. I cant tell if there is structural paneling over the drywall but there is vinyl siding on the outside. The other gable end has plywood and no drywall. The drywall looks like it has stains from moisture which I would expect. This is a townhouse with HOA responsible for the structure, siding, and roof. How should I report on this?
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When blowing up the picture, it looks like it maybe 5/8 drywall and possibly a 1/4 plywood overlay based on the vent cutout? Just a guess and why would they?
As far as reporting? Report what you see and what appears to be.
" The exterior siding on the _______ side of the attic appears to be drywall and it cannot be determined if there is an additional exterior covering over it. There is noticeable staining on the drywall from potential water intrusion after installation. It is recommended…"
Drywall exterior sheathing was a big thing in the 70’s and 80’s. But it was not the exact material as interior drywall. As a contractor who has put on lots of vinyl siding, I have seen it allot. In the 90’s they switched to 1/2" foam board.
But all corners were still plywood for rigidity of the building. As inspectors you guys rarely see behind the siding to know what’s actually there.
It’s still installed on some houses and buildings. You can purchase it at your local hardware store. It’s called exterior gypsum sheathing.
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If this is in fact a product of “exterior gypsum sheathing”… It’s failing somewhere. Most likely installation, but I can’t…or shouldn’t report on that. Refer it out.
What does that stamp on the… stuff… say? Closeup?
not sure where you are located, but around here, that gable would be required to have gable bracing.
That is a huge wall to have no horizontal or diagonal bracing!
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Exterior grade drywall is used on commercial construction for fire protection. On another note, I agree with @dhorton2 about the need for structural reinforcement of the gable. Report what you see; the construction method in your descriptions and the moisture staining and missing structural reinforcement in your observations.