We've been getting a lot of requests lately to produce some primers on basic Home Inspector Content. A "Back to Basics", just to review the material and serve is a supplement to the test prep Book.
OK, So Let's Do It !
So in this series, we'll start reviewing the basics of each inspection component. We'll BOLD type the important facts that tend to appear on the NHIE Exam. It's all FAIR GAME.
Hope you enjoy!
____
Roofing:
Contrary to popular belief, roof coverings are not intended to keep out the cold. This is because roofs are typically extremely poor insulators!
There's two main categories of roofing systems: Sloped and Flat Roofs. Sloped roofing are not really water tight, they just shed water pretty much like an umbrella.
Flat Roofs on the other hand are water proof membranes which are designed to be impervious (ie water tight).
Flat roofs should never be perfectly flat either ! Standing water will deteriorate the membrane, so the roof should slope somewhat to allow water to drain.
The pitch of a roof is just the SLOPE, which is just the the rise divided by the run of the roof. And to make it uniform, the run is always defined as 12 feet.
A conventional slope is 4 in 12 and up.
A low slope is 2 in 12 to 4 in 12.
A flat roof is 0 in 12 to 2 in 12.
Another common roofing term is called a "Square". It's basically the amount of roofing materiel that's required to cover 100 square feet.
So here's a question:
When pricing a roofing job, a contractor should consider what 2 important factors?
The pitch of the roof and the number of squares. They also consider other things like number of dormers, chimneys, changes in directions, height above ground, etc.
Here's another good question:
When inspecting a roofing system on a typical residential sloped roof, where will water penetration most likely to occur?
Around flashing and anywhere the roof changes directions.
_________
Asphalt Shingles:
See below for a typical installation.
.png)
What's important here is that the nails must be 1" to 1 1/2" from the edge of the shingle, also must be at least 1/2" above any cutouts.
Eave protection must be at least 36" up the roof.
The most commonly used roofing material. the most common type used weight about 210 pounds per square. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years. Some 320s (three hundred pounds per square) last more than 25 years.
Shingles are self-sealing, meaning when the sun warms the rood surface, the shingles stick together.
Asphalt shingles can be used n a slope as low as 4 in 12.
Question:
What is the biggest enemies of asphalt roofs?
Sunlight!
Many area in south and west exposures typically wear out the fastest. Light colored shingles last longer because they reflect the most light. Also, the steeper the pitch, the longer the shingles will last.
As the asphalt shingle wear over time, they lose its granular covering. When this happens, it loses its protection from ultra violent light. This will cause the shingle to become dry and brittle, they can crack, buckle, and curl.
Next, will discuss Wood Shingles and Shakes.
