I read an article about arc fault indicators. These devices are much more expensive than GFCI testers and are not as reliable. They create a waveform that simulates an arc but not an actual arc. The test button on the arc fault breaker actually creates an arc. These devices do not always cause the breaker to trip so you can only say that the breaker is working if it trips but not that it is faulty if it does not.
My inspection does not show any signs of any damage from any sort of foreign objects, even after some extensive roof repairs that have been done over the past few years. These pics only show the replacement and normal granular loss from the shingles. The other pic shows that a sealant has been applied to the top of the shingles. This may be for it has had a past roof leak in this particular area. In my opinion, this roof should have a remaining life expectancy of less than five years.
I studied the term H-clips and basically knew what they were. I thought that they were used for alignment but in reality they are used for stiffening two adjacent panels together where they meet between the rafters or trusses. I did not know that expanding the trusses out was acceptable. It does make sense to add these clips in those areas but in all, I think that the normal spacing is for the best and to me, that is cheating if done otherwise. It would be impossible to regulate what was done which was written up compared to the aftermath.
On the day of the inspection, this home is located in the woods was noted the area was heavily populated with squirrels. Tree branches hanging over to the roof made it an Easy Access for the rodents.
Damage noted, likely from squirrel activity, also noted was the shingles were starting to show wear and tear. The roof is nearing the end of its life expectancy.
After seeing the illustration, about the improper drainage that damage shingles, I rarely ever see it done properly according to the illustration. I have been marking up on inspections and am wondering how many do. Guttering system is an important part of the home and greatly overlooked and even less maintain. I don’t think there’s been a day go by that downspouts or the gutter system has been not mention for repairs on inspection. Even new homes still just dump onto the shingle from dormers or adjoining roofs. How many inspectors actually write this up .
Hi,
Here is a pic of an open valley with a metal (W) valley pan 24" wide. The valley directs a high volume of water off and away from adjacent roof surfaces. A metal roof and valley is a slick surface which directs water off the roof more quickly than a shingle roof covering or a closed valley. The ridge in the center of the pan breaks up the flow of water from one roof surface from crossing over the valley and under the metal roof covering on the adjacent slope.
Hi.
Metal roofing is a great alternative to a shingle roof. A metal roof has a longer life span, sheds water more quickly and reflects the sun which in turn helps to moderate temps in the attic that prolongs the roof covering and sheathing. Metal roofing is more costly to install, but there are rebates and energy savings that can be applied in most cases at tax time. In a hail storm you will most likely see cosmetic dents, but not functional damage. Metal roofing comes in many different styles like ribbed, standing seam, and can be made to look like wood shakes, shingles and tile.
This is a picture of a phone line which ran across the roof and cut into the asphalt shingle. It appeared to be unintentional mechanical damage. At the present time, there are no leaks associated with this damage The phone is rather tight which is quite surprising since the slightest movement as a result of quake tremor and the line could possible break, also no consideration was taken on expansion and contraction. This looks like a poor installation. :shock:
This is a picture of a phone line which ran across the roof and cut into the asphalt shingle. It appeared to be unintentional mechanical damage. At the present time, there are no leaks associated with this damage The phone is rather tight which is quite surprising since the slightest movement as a result of quake tremor and the line could possible break, also no consideration was taken on expansion and contraction. This looks like a poor installation. :shock:
Research article conducted on “Wind Mitigation” Good reading, important consumer information if residing in wind prone areas such as Gulf Coast. The article shows that by implementing wind mitigation techniques homeowners can save on insurance premiums, and reduce their deductible. In areas such as Florida, up to 70% of insurance premiums account for wind damage, the deductible in these areas could be as high as $20,000! A good cost / benefit analysis would be in order here. My recommendation would be to discuss what savings and benefits could be obtained if upgrades are made to the home and then taking bids from reputable contractors to have an idea of the total cost. Compare savings to cost to determine break even point. Of course instituting wind mitigation techniques would increase the basis of the home (resale value) nevertheless.
Course requirement by Brett Huckabee
Inspector noted roofing material appeared to be aged. Significant granule loss and crazing were noted. Roofing system appeared serviceable though should be monitored and maintained periodically as needed by a professional roofing contractor for maximum service life. Consult with roofing contractor for additional information.
For essay I chose PB plumbing. Sorry not really related to topic, I hope that’s alright.
Essay for completion of course
Polybutylene for Inspectors
Inspectors should be aware of concerns regarding polybutylene (PB) plumbing and advise their client’s regarding this material. My experience has been that you may find it in any dwelling. Many times small sections have been used for repair or for water conditioner equipment installations. Also, many manufactured homes used PB. My research revealed that most of the failures were due to fittings though there are many cases reported of actual pipe material failure as well.
Regarding inspection procedures, when I note PB plumbing lines, I always try to get a photo of the “PB2110” printing on the tube. At a minimum a clear picture of the lines and fittings may be sufficient. Also, look for repaired areas and leak stains around fittings and on the floor. Though the Standards of Practice and the reference article specifically state that we do not need to identify the product or material in use, my reports do include pipe material and I would call this out as a defect. In my opinion, the client has a right to know what potential issues could arise from PB plumbing.
An example of a report statement could read as follows:
Inspector noted plumbing supply lines that appeared to be Polybutylene pipe material. This material and the fittings were subject to a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers. This material has been known for leakage and sudden failure that could result in significant property damage. We recommend consulting with a licensed professional plumber for further evaluation and recommendations.
Always know your pipe materials and study up on the latest issues. One such problem on the rise is the PEX F1807 fittings by Zurn , Uponor, Kitec and Vanguard (and possibly others). They too have been subject to a pending class action lawsuit. There have been issues with the brass fittings containing too much zinc and corroding away and causing leaks and burst scenarios. I’ve personally only reported it for one inspection when I did note that the fittings had same water stains and looked questionable. Client was surprisingly not concerned.
Here’s an example of the PEX fittings in PDF doc and I also included a picture of the fittings I found that looked questionable.
This is a picture showing heavy foot traffic patterns in the roofing shingles. These marks are not caused by wind or hail. The marks follow the easiest walking route from the lower roof to the upper roof.
I find it interesting people forget the randomness of nature. Trying to mimic hail damage by creating damage in a steady patterns or in the incorrect areas. I also didn’t realize using a hammer would crush the granules making it fairly easy to identify man-made damage. The insurance companies have this down to a science (for their own protection), but definately good information to know.
This photo is of a townhouse in Martinsburg, WV. Several missing and damaged shingles were noted on this roof. This side of the roof faces the West, which is where the prevailing winds usually originate. Due to being located in the Shenandoah Valley, it can be very windy at times, and missing, torn, and creased shingles are a very common find on home inspections in the area. Improper repairs are also very common. I would recommend proper replacement of the shingles, and evaluation of the fastening techniques used during insulation. Hail and hail damage are not very common in the area.
I read “Mastering Roof Inspections: Hail Damage, Part 1”to complete this portion of the class. I learned that hail can cause about $1 Billion worth of damage each year. I had no idea it was that extensive. I also learned that it is formed by dust and dirt particles being drawn into hot air rising and re-circulating in a circular motion, gathering moisture and freezing into hail stones.
In my Wind and Hail Damage Inspection Course, I inspected a house that had just been through a hail storm. As you will notice in the image attached, this shingle received a major hit compromising the expected life of the shingle.
I read “Mastering Roof inspections: Hail damage.” I found it quite interesting how much damage hail can cause. It was also interesting that, on average, 1 billion dollars will be paid out by insurance companies this year for hail damage. what was also interesting was that in 2006, a single hail storm caused 1.3 billion dollars worth of damage!
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The image shows common “craze” cracking visible on the surface of an asphalt roof shingle. These surface cracks are the result of shingle aging. The oils present in the asphalt layers dry out over time. This drying out process causes spider like cracks in the granular surface of the shingle. The “craze” cracks do not involve the shingle mat and typically affect the granular surface layer only. Significant craze cracking can speed shingle degradation over time. Craze cracks are more common on organic/cellulose based shingle products.
One item discussed in the Wind & Hail Damage course involved asphalt shingle “stress cracks”. Stress cracks can appear vertically or horizontally on a shingle & are sometimes mistaken for damage caused by wind. Stress cracks are more common with Fiberglass based shingle products. Cracks generally follow the pattern of the shingle installation - whether that be a step or ladder type pattern. Individual shingles on a roof plane tend to act as a single large shingle once the shingle sealant has fused them all together. During the natural heating and cooling process, the roof decking materials will expand and contract. Shingle stress cracks occur when this movement exceeds what the shingle is capable of withstanding. Stress cracks do involve the full thickness of the shingle and negatively affect the lifespan of the product.