Proper roof valley installation- When weaving is wrong

Proper roof valley installation-When weaving is wrong- Quincy and Cle Elum Home Inspection Services

When installing asphalt roofing there are several types of valley details that can be used. Depending on the roofing material this may dictate what style can be used.

The two most common styles of asphalt roofing materials are strip roofing also called 3-tab or laminated roofing referred to as three-dimensional or architectural shingles because the shingles create visual depth on a roof and create a more custom appearance.

There are three common valley details... woven, open and closed cut. There is a variation on the closed cut referred to as a California Valley. Here are diagrams of each style valley style.

                       

Here we have a laminated shingle roof that has been installed with a woven valley detail. Woven valleys should only be used with strip shingles.

                                   

This is an incorrect installation of this type of roofing material and will be more prone to water intrusion and will void the manufacturer’s warranty for this material. Valleys are the second most prone area for leaks on a roof after penetration such as chimneys and vent stacks.

This is an indication that whoever performed this roof installation was not aware of the proper installation method for this roofing shingle. This leads to the next question, what else is wrong?

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…       

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

Taking a bath

Taking a bath- Lake Wenatchee and Cle Elum Home Inspection

“Bath twice a day to be really clean, once a day to be passably clean, once a week to avoid being a public menace.”

Anthony Burgess

Baths are one of the great pleasures for many. I know in my world a wonderful whirlpool soaker tub is a must for my wife. If my lovely wife is happy I am happy.

But there is a dark side to soaker tubs. On several recent home inspections I have seen these tubs converted to a shower/tub combos.

                       

Most soaker tubs are not designed to be used in a shower application. They do not have the have a tile flange to create a drip plane for water to run back into the tub from the surround.

                       

The result is water will sit and most likely find it way in the substructure leading to rot and mold. This is also an invite to wood destroying insects who love these conditions.

                              

There are flange kits that can be used to convert these types of tubs for use as a shower.

Shower installations need to be carefully evaluated and installed to ensure that water intrusion of the wall will not become an issue.

                                                         

                                                       

 

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin

“Inspecting the World-One Home at a time”

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…       
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

Permitted but not inspected…The Shocking Truth- Cle Elum Home Inspection

Permitted but not inspected…The Shocking Truth- Cle Elum Home Inspection

                                                          

One item a buyer should be aware of is if any permits have been issued to a home that has not been completed. This will be especially true if the plan is to perform any work on the home that will require a permit. Uncompleted permits can hold up and complicate any future work to be performed.

Here is an interesting example-

There have been 6800 electrical permits pulled in Washington State that have never been inspected between January 2009 and August 2011.

                                                

Washington State requires that any electrical permit that is pulled must have the inspection within 12 months of the issue date.

In addition the permit holders are required by Washington Administrative Codes (WAC 296-46B-901(10)(a)) to make inspection requests within:  3 business days after completing the installation; or 1 business day after energizing circuits or equipment, whichever comes first.

Washington State has offered an amnesty on electrical permits. Their reason is to ensure safe electrical installations have been performed and completed per these expired permits.  The amnesty is from any compliance action for any electrical contractor that purchased an electrical permit:  Since January 1, 2009, and is expired with no request for an inspection of the electrical work. 

To qualify for the amnesty, the contractor must obtain a new permit and request inspection for the work before February 15, 2012.

The contractor must apply for a new permit and let the local supervisor aware that the new permit is replacing an expired permit. 

After February 15, 2012 the department will take compliance action on all identified permits with inspection request violations.

Ensuring compliance has been performed can save you some headaches in the future.

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

Steve Jobs

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…      

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

 

Lay over me… or not- Cle Elum Home inspection- Roofs

So you need a new roof what should I do, and what is right?

We all know that one layer of roofing material is best, right? This should always be the standard answer in my book, no exceptions but hey I do always get to write the rules.

And it is very obvious that most think the code says we can add a second layer of roofing, right?

Well hold on there buckaroo, the answer has a qualifier… The code actually states something that many overlook.

                             

So let’s take a peak what the code actually states:


From the IRC (international residential code)-  

R907.3 Re-covering versus replacement.

New roof coverings shall not be installed without first removing existing roof coverings where any of the following conditions occur:

1.      Where the existing roof or roof covering is water-soaked or has deteriorated to the point that the existing roof or roof covering is not adequate as a base for additional roofing.

2.      Where the existing roof covering is wood shake, slate, clay, cement or asbestos-cement tile.

3.      Where the existing roof has two or more applications of any type of roof covering.

4.      For asphalt shingles, when the building is located in an area subject to moderate or severe hail exposure according to Figure R903.5.

Exceptions:
1. Complete and separate roofing systems, such as standing-seam metal roof systems, that are designed to transmit the roof loads directly to the building’s structural system and that do not rely on existing roofs and roof coverings for support, shall not require the removal of existing roof coverings.
2. Installation of metal panel, metal shingle, and concrete and clay tile roof coverings over existing wood shake roofs shall be permitted when the application is in accordance with Section R907.4.
3. The application of new protective coating over existing spray polyurethane foam roofing systems shall be permitted without tear-off of existing roof coverings.

So there you have it, the answer is maybe if certain condition can be met.

Or the simpler answer, which is what this Wenatchee Home Inspector always advises, is do not do it and just remove the exiting roof and do it right.

This way your roof decking is inspected and the job can be completed more professionally, your home will love you for it!

Make me happy and hire a true professional roofer.

                                                       

“Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.”

Steve Jobs

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more… 
   

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

www.ncwhomeinspections.com

The Cracked Crown... Chimney Issues

The Cracked Crown- Cle Elum and Chelan Home Inspection

When performing a home inspection if the home has a masonry chimney it is very important that the home inspector evaluates the condition of the chimney crown.

The chimney crown is the area that is around the top of the chimney. This is not to be confused with the chimney cap. A chimney cap is an attachment that is added to the top of the flue pipe.

                                                

The chimney crown tops the masonry walls of the chimney and is best if it is wider than the masonry area. The crown is a solid covering that stops moisture from filtering down through the brick or stone work in your chimney. It protects the mortar that holds everything together.

You want to ensure that the chimney crown is in good shape and is not allowing moisture to seep into the chimney structure below.


There are chimney crown sealants that can be able applied to a chimney crown that still has structural integrity, but just needs to be waterproofed.

Here are a few examples of crown cracks that will need to be sealed.

                         

If the crown has larger cracks they will need to be filled prior to applying a chimney crown sealants. The sealant s will form a waterproof membrane from the elements such as rain, snow and ice that can cause structural damage to the chimney.

A cracked crown that just need a sealant applied may cost a few hundred dollars. But if the problem lingers it can cause masonry damage and a cracked flue which the repair cost may be in the thousands.

Here are a few examples of crown failure that is cause of structural loss of the brick and masonry materials. 

    

    

If the flue happens to become cracked or damaged, along with the additional repair costs involved this can become a very serious fire hazard.

If your chimney crown is showing its age, it may be time to be replaced before it becomes too late.  

These structures usually do not get inspected as often as they should and hiring a professional home inspector or mason to inspect the chimney periodically can save you money and ensure safe operation of your fireplace or other fuel appliances.

"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur..."

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…      

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

www.ncwhomeinspections.com

Wenatchee and Leavenworth Home Inspection-Insulation in the home

Wenatchee and Leavenworth Hom Inspection- Insulations in a home.

This is a follow up to my blog on The Scientific Basics of an Insulator.
There are many ways to insulate a home. Fiberglass is the most common but you may want to consider other options. They all have their plusses and minuses.
I am not a big fan of fiberglass for many reasons but it is the industry standard. So here is a list with some information of all the major insulators in no particular order.
The R-value for an insulator is a measure of thermal resistance used in the building and construction industry.


Insulation Comparison









Cellulose insulation (R-values- 3.0-3.7 + total fill) is made of ground-up, recycled newsprint treated with borate as a fire and pest retardant. Cellulose can be damp- or dry-blown into walls and dry-blown into attics.

 

Fiberglass insulation (2.2-4.0) has been the industry standard, is made from spun glass fibers, and is available in faced or unfaced batts or loose-fill. Precautions should be taken during installation to avoid contact with skin or inhalation of airborne glass fibers. Traditionally, formaldehyde has been used to bind these glass fibers. Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can off-gas potentially irritating or harmful chemicals into a home. Recycled-content and "no added formaldehyde" products are readily available at comparable costs. Listed by National Toxicology Program, Department of Health and Human Services as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcino­gen.

Cotton insulation (3.0-3.7) is available in faced or unfaced batts. It is manufactured from postindustrial recycled content fibers of the textile industry (primarily blue jean factories), with some polyester fiber for strength and "loft." Unlike fiberglass and mineral wool, cotton insulation is not irritating or potentially dangerous to handle. It should be torn, not cut, to fit. Cork and wool insulation are options made from rapidly renewable, natural sources and now available.

Foam board typically has a higher R-value per inch than batt and loose-fill products (e.g., expanded polystyrene, 3.8; extruded polystyrene, 5.0; polyisocyanurate, 5.8-7.0). Well-installed foam board (taped at the seams) creates an improved air barrier. Look for products that use water or pentane as the blowing or foaming agent instead of HCFC, which contributes to ozone layer destruction.







Spray-in place foams (3.9-4.3 + total fill) have excellent air-sealing properties, high R-values, and most of them can easily be installed anywhere, including overhead. They are a particularly effective choice for "cathedralized" attics (insulation is installed at the rafters, so the attic is within the thermal envelope. This is a good approach if ductwork is placed in the attic). Most of these foams are low-density, open-cell polyurethane or polyicynene. HCFC-free foam is available, as is soy-based foam. Spray foams are newer in the market, so installers may be hard to find and costs may be high.













Mineral wool (2.8-3.7) is produced as batts or loose-fill made from rock wool (from natural rock) or slag wool (an iron ore blast furnace waste product).











Structural insulated panels (SIPs) (4.0 + total fill) consist of rigid expanded polystyrene foam sandwiched between panels of oriented strand board (OSB). SIPs are fabricated off-site, come in thicknesses from 4 to 12 inches, and are fairly interchangeable with wood frame construction if incorporated early in a project's design phase. SIPs advantages include a very high effective Rvalue, excellent soundproofing performance, and rapid on-site installation. Note that mechanical ventilation is typically required when using SIPs due to the resulting airtight nature of such construction. As with foam board and spray foams, look for products fabricated with and from more environmentally friendly foam materials.





Radiant Barrier-(little or no R-value) Radiant barrier insulation systems reflect radiant heat energy instead of trying to absorb it. Radiant barriers come in a variety of forms, including reflective foil, reflective metal roof shingles, reflective laminated roof sheathing, and even reflective chips, which can be applied over loose-fill insulation. The reflective material, usually aluminum, is applied to one or both sides of a number of substrate materials. Substrate materials include kraft paper, plastic films, cardboard, oriented strand board, and air infiltration barrier material. Some products are fiber-reinforced to increase the durability and ease of handling.

Radiant barriers-which don't provide a significant amount of thermal insulation-can be combined with many types of insulation materials. These combinations are called reflective insulation systems. In these combinations, radiant barriers can also act as the insulation's facing material.

Recycled Content (environmental comparisons)

Insulation materials vary in their recycled content.  Which insulation offers the environmental benefits of resource conservation and reduced waste? The typical recycled content of various insulations is as follows:

Fiberglass: 0-30%, mostly post-industrial, some post-consumer

Cellulose: 75-95%, mostly newspapers

Mineral wool: 0-90%, rock wool - 0%, slag - 90%

Cotton: 75-95%, post-industrial fabric trimmings

Foam board: 0-50%, post-industrial foam

Spray foam: 0-15%, post-industrial chemicals

Radiant Barriers: 0-100%, mostly recycled aluminum

Wenatchee and Leavenworth Hom Inspection- Insulations in a home.

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more...                           

NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572

Wenatchee Home Inspections- Getting Buzzed

Wenatchee Home Inspections- Getting Buzzed

Well I do have some ringing in my ears from my youthful indiscretions.
But when I went to fill the feeders this weekend I had a new buzz going.






http://www.paulnoll.com/Oregon/Birds/arrival-Hummingbird-Rufous.html

Wenatchee Home Inspections- Getting Buzzed

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more...

NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572

Wenatchee Home Inspections- Fire in the Hose

Wenatchee Home Inspections- Fire in the Hose

As a  Wenatchee Home Inspections service one of the items that we seem to find frequently is poor dryer ducting. This usually has couple main reasons, the ducting is inaccessible or in a place that no one has ventured in many years and everyone seems to be very familiar with the flexible foil/plastic ducting, so it's okay, right! WRONG!






All too often the dryer duct will terminate in a crawl space that can elevate moisture levels which is an invite to wood destroying insects and organisms (and one heck of a mess). The duct should terminate to the exterior of the home.


















But the main reason for proper dryer ducting is fire. The Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires. My friends in the fire department will verify this fact.

       

Dryer fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint will block the flow of air and allow excessive heat build-up. Dryer fires will most likely start in the dryer venting and lint trap.

Standard building practices typically state that the dryer duct be no more than 25 feet long. It should be 2.5 feet shorter than 25 feet for every 45-degree bend and 5 feet shorter for every 90-degree bend. Ducts should be smooth metal with a minimum diameter of 4". Flexible ducts shouldn't be used. The ducts shouldn't have screws or connectors that could collect lint. The male ends of the duct should face the direction of the airflow.








The duct should vent to the outside and the vent should be at least 3 feet from any other opening. The vent should also have a cap with a damper to keep vermin out of the home. There shouldn't be a screen over the opening since it would trap lint.








Some signs that may be time to clean or replace your ducts are; if clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle or drying requires longer times than normal, clothes are hotter than normal at the end of the drying cycle, the outside of dryer gets very hot, the outside exhaust vent flapper does not open very much indicating low exhaust velocity, the laundry room becomes more humid than it is usually and a burnt smell is evident in the laundry room.
With a little maintenance of the duct work and dryer you can help prevent this scenario from occurring.

Wenatchee Home Inspections- Fire in the Hose



NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572NCW Home Inspections, LLC is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington.

Wenatchee Home Inspections- In Hot Water again

Wenatchee Home Inspections- In Hot Water again



The CPSC (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission) estimates each year, approximately 3,800 injuries and 34 deaths occur in the home due to scalding from excessively hot tap water. Most of these accidents involve the elderly and children under the age of five. The CPSC suggests all users to lower their water heaters to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This is to prevent these accidents. This decrease in temperature can conserve energy and save money also.

Many adults can suffer a third - degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for about two seconds. At 140 degrees it will take about six-seconds of exposure. At 130 degrees about thirty seconds of exposure will cause a burn. Even if the temperature is 120 degrees, a five minute exposure could result in third-degree burns.









Here is the dilemma-
A residential dishwasher needs 140-160°F (60-70°C) degrees for proper cleaning.


Most licensed plumbers know you need about 160°F (70°C) water for washing and 180°F for sterilization in lieu of chemicals. Water below 125°F (52°C) can allow germs to grow inside the hot water tank (you want an incubator?).

One solution to the temperature dilemma is to use a quality mixing valve to allow hot water (160°F to 180°F) to go to the dish washer and laundry machines that will kill germs and use these tempering valves to control the temperature of the water after these devices to go throughout the system.
At the shower body or faucet you can add such safety devices called pressure/temperature regulating/valves, Temperature Actuated Mixing Valves or balancing valves etc.





All of these devices will help protect you from being scalded when someone else flushes a toilet or runs the sink and the pressure drops.

The same when the hot water is used say in a dish washer this sudden drop in temperature or pressure will not shock someone in a shower.

Contact your local licensed plumber and he will help you with a design to fit your needs.

Wenatchee Home Inspections- In Hot Water

NCW Home Inspections, LLC is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Kittitas County, Douglas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington.
NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572

Cle Elum and Chelan Home Inspections- Elk

Cle Elum and Chelan Home Inspections- Elk

In route to a recent home inspection in the the Cle Elum area I came across this herd of elk (or wapiti). I find elk to be one of the most beautiful of the deer family. The elk is a large, powerful animal with an adult weight averaging over 400 pounds.
 
In the spring elk often group together with the cows and calves in one herd, the older bulls in another herd and the younger bulls in still another herd. Young and old bulls may be found together, and yearling bulls may be found with the cow herds from time to time.
 
Like this herd they are often made up of an older dominant cow, her sisters, their daughters and their daughter's daughters etc.

The older bulls often remain apart from the cows until the beginning of the rut in late August/early September, and stay with them until November.
Elk of both sexes and all ages may be found together in the winter, especially when food sources are limited.

Cle Elum and Chelan Home Inspections- Elk


NCW Home Inspections LLC-509-670-9572NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more...