Vermiculite insulation
posted on May 16, 2008 10:23:21 pm
I have always mentioned the presence of vermiculite insulation and that it may contain asbestos. I am wondering how many of you just list it as a type of material and don't mention the possible asbestos concern. Here is what I usually put in my reports. What appears to be vermiculite insulation was found in the attic, this type of insulation is common in older homes. This material may contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. However even if this material does contain asbestos, it may not pose a health hazard since it's not in a living space. The client(s) may wish to have this material tested for asbestos by a qualified lab, and should definitely do so if they plan to remove it or disturb it through remodeling. Is there a kinder way of describing this?

Chimney Facade
posted on May 15, 2008 07:09:56 pm
Inspected this property and noticed the rock chimney facade is built directly on the roof decking, 1/2 OSB, 2x6 rafters 24" OC. No additional support under the rock, about 3 inches of deflection. Referred it out to a contractor. What are the requirements for building something like this, if any. Saw several other "features" that suggest the builder may need to find another trade. Thanks,

Should I stay in or get out??
posted on May 14, 2008 03:14:45 pm
Would appreciate some feedback if you feel inclined to: I have been in the business a little over 2 years and have done a total of 3, count 'em, 3, inspections. Main reason is that I have not promoted my business. I really enjoy learning the business, but I think the main reason that I am reluctant to promote my business is that I am paranoid about getting sued for missing something on an inspection. My business is an LLC, and I do not carry E & O insurance. I really don't enjoy having to virtually kiss a real estate agent's behind to get him/her to consider me for one of their deals. It may simply be that I need to find something else, but I really hate to, considering the study, money, and time that I have spent thus far. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Attic ventilation and mold
posted on May 13, 2008 09:19:05 pm
Hi everybody! I am new to this forum, and this is my first post, and I need some help / advise. I live in the pacific NW and as you guys know, it's very wet here during the winter months. Just a few weeks ago, I went into my attic to inspect it after winter. To my shock, I discovered mold growth on the plywood sheats, most of it on the north side of the roof. I will try to post a picture later. In addition to the mold, I discovered that insulation baffles have come down, and I think that this is what caused the problem (blocked soffit vents). The main effected area (mold) is around 150sq ft, it starts at the soffits and the mold is up maybe 4 -5 feet over a length of maybe 25-30 feet. It looks like the moisture source is condensation, as I see discolorations higher up only around nails. Right now, everything is as dry as can be, and there is no sign of a leak. My remediation plan is as follows: - install power attic vent (at the ridge) to increase ventilation. I plan on using a 1,600CFM fan. The sum of my vents adds up to 5.8 sq.ft, and the manufacturer specs 5.3 sq.ft. miminum for intake vents - clean up the visible mold with bleach / water - correctly re-install the insulation baffles. Here are a few more facts: - 1850 sq.ft. one story home, built in 2002 - a total of 123 round soffit vents, 2" diameter each = 386 sq inches - a total of 9 square ridge vents, 50sq. inches each = 450 sq. inches - every vent vents outside (2 bathroom vents, one in utility room, one more over range, plus the vent from the gas water heater). There are no leaks. What do you guys think about my plan? Do you have anything to add that I should / should not do? Thanks a lot for all replies!

Rafter and ridge issues- shed dormer
posted on May 12, 2008 12:18:15 pm
I am new to this site and just wanted to get a couple of opinions. I recently framed a shed dormer onto my cape cod style house. The dormer wall spans 28' in length & 6'9" high, with the overall length of the house 32'. I recently finished and have to get an inspection. There are two issues I think the inspector may have. I want to see if these will be issues and what I can do about them before the inspector comes. 1. The ridge size. The existing roof, an 8 pitch, was framed with 2x6's and no ridge board. The rafters on the shed dormer, which is a 3 pitch, are 2x10's. I used a 2x6 as the ridge board (looking back, I have no idea why). The 2x10's hang below the board about 4 inches. The 2x6 portion of the roofs hangs below the ridge about 2 inches. I did not specify a ridge size in my submitted plans. My question is will this be a problem. If so, can I slide a second 2x6 between the rafters to compensate? 2. The rafters of the shed dormer are offset from the original rafters. I framed the dormer wall at 16" centers. However, I neglected to line the wall studs up with the existing 2x6 rafters on the other side. As a result, once the wall was lifted the wall studes did not line up with the existing rafters. I chose to put the dormer rafters over the wall studs and offset them from the original 2x6 rafters, rather than line the rafters up and have them offset from the wall studs. Just wanted to get an opinion on these two issues. A couple of additional facts- There are 2x6 collar ties at 16" centers and a height of 8'. Since the rafters didn't line up, I installed a nailing board the length of the existing roof and cut that end of the collar ties at an 8 pitch. The roof is a standing seam metal roof. I built this just before the winter and had about 3 inches of pure ice on the roof and have had no problems.