25 Things Every Home Inspector Should Know Flashcards
Master the 25
What are five common issues to look for when performing a gutter inspection?
Improper Downward Gutter slope. Proper is(1/16/ft or 1/4 inch/5 ft)
Are down spouts present? Is the number adequate?
Guttering securely fastened to the building?
Missing brackets?
Gutter spikes backing out?
Signs of leaking from the joints?
Missing or damaged gutters?
Gutters blocked by debris or rooted vegetation?
What items should an inspector check downspouts for?
the connection between the downspout and the gutter;
proper attachment of the downspout to the structure;
leakage in joints
impact damage from car doors, etc.;
downspouts that terminate onto another roof surface,
Is the termination is directing water away from the foundation.
Is the gutter system directing roof water run-off straight down into the foundation.
Underground terminations usually connect to one of three system types. Name the 3 types of systems:
On-site drainage: The gutters connect to subterranean piping that simply takes the run-off to a low area on the property, well away from the foundation. and discharges it to the ground,
Connection to foundation drains: In these systems downspouts connect via vertical drains to the home’s foundation or drain tile system.
French drains and dry-wells: A pit or channel is dug and lined with a membrane, and normally filled with crushed stone.
What are the most common failure issues with underground drain piping systems?
piping ‘silting up’
blockages from leaves and other debris.
root systems infiltrating and choking off the pipes;
Collapsed pipes from vehicles driving over the ground above them.
The proper slope for guttering is ____ per 5 to 10 feet.
1/2-inch:
1/2-inch
1/16-inch
1/4-inch
1/4 - INCH
Gutters should be installed by screwing or spiking them _________.
into the soffit
through the fascia and into the rafter tails
into the fascia
THROUGH THE FASCIA AND INTO THE RAFTER TAILS
T/F: All homes are required to have gutters installed.
True
False
FALSE
T/F: Rusting steel gutters are a cosmetic issue and need not be reported.
True
False
FALSE
Which of the following is not a guttering material? steel plastic copper aluminum brass
BRASS
T/F: The inspector should report on any debris buildup in the gutters.
True
False
True
T/F: The inspector should inspect all visible downspout terminations.
True
False
True
Roofing gutters should slope down toward the downspout at the rate of _____ per foot, or 1/4-inch per
5 to 10 feet.
3/10-inch
1/12-inch
1/16-inch
1/16-inch
Measuring the amount of the gutter slope is _______________.
required
not required
NOT-REQUIRED
Many roof problems are caused by?
issues with the framing and sheathing
Name 3 areas Roof issues emanate from:
Ridge, Rafter and Sheathing.
Explain the term generally called “saddle” or “swayback.”
When the ridge beam has settled down toward the center of the roof.
One of the more common things to see, especially on older homes.
List 4 potential causes for Saddle or Swayback on a roof ridge.
a rotten or broken ridge beam;
an overloaded roof surface;
undersized framing members
a lack of collar ties.
Define rafter Bowing:
Rafters being pushed down in the center.
Rafter Bowing may be caused by?
undersized rafters;
roof loads too high;
a lack of purlins or knee walls;
poorly modified ceiling joists; and/or
improperly modified roof trusses.