The exterior of a house encompasses many components and is often neglected. This course is designed to teach home inspectors how to observe, describe, analyze and accurately report within the ASHI, NAHI or NACHI standards of practice all the exterior components of a house: overview of exterior cladding, wall surfaces, trim, soffits and fascia, windows and doors, flashing, caulking, overview of exterior structures, porches, decks, balconies, garages and carports, an overview of surface water control and landscaping, lot grading, gutters and downspouts, window wells, walks, driveways and grounds, and retaining walls. Appropriate reporting methods discussed and examples supplied.
Roof Inspection
Objective: The roofing inspection is a very important aspect of inspecting a home. The main purpose of the roof is to protect the house and its occupants from the elements – wind, snow, rain and the sun. The inspector will learn both how to determine how well the roof can do its job and the signs of typical and atypical wear or deterioration.
Types of materials and the procedures for installation are described, illustrated and discussed in detail. Samples will be available for hands-on identification. How to identify different types of roofing materials will be studied with a hands-on approach with samples of many types. Roof structure designs and the reasons roof failures occur will be covered, including framing, sheathing, defective roofing materials and installation errors. Topics covered will include general strategies for steep roofs, asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, slate, clay tile, concrete tile, fiber cement (asbestos cement, mineral cement, or cement asbestos shingles), metal roofing, roll roofing, steep roof flashings, flat roofs, built-up roofing, modified bitumen, synthetic rubber, plastic roofing, and flat roof flashing. Original instillation irregularities, material failure based on ageing and materials that prematurely become defective are key components in roofing.
Flashing, drainage and ventilation provisions will be discussed along with the aging process and how they lend themselves to leaking if not adequately installed. How to evaluate the roof for active and past leaks is illustrated and discussed in detail with emphasis on the roof slope, attic clues, and surrounding weather exposure.
Learn how to identify the style of the roof and methods of roof inspection. Describe the type and condition of exposed flashing. Learn how to recognize properly installed skylights and signals of failure. Describe the type and condition of gutters and downspouts. How to select and use the appropriate tools: ladders, binoculars, safety gloves, shoes, roof slope finders, moisture meters and most important, when to and not to walk on the roof. Safety issues concerning the inspection process are discussed and reinforced. Appropriate reporting methods discussed and examples supplied.
Attic inspection is crucial to (and usually precedes) roof integrity inspection questions; it also defines many insulation considerations.
Students learn how to locate and identify access methods. Understand how to identify the type of roof framing. Describe the type and condition of ceiling frames. Students are shown how to take precautionary note of hazardous areas of a roof, visible more readily from the attic. Identify types and proper installation of roof sheathing. Describe the type and condition of attic insulation. Learn the different methods of attic ventilation. Learn to evaluate vent pipes and flashing in the attic. Understand how to recognize holes, gaps, or leaks. Learn where to look for moisture and mildew and understand different evidences of prior or present water penetration. Appropriate reporting methods discussed and examples supplied.
Insulation & Ventilation
Objectives: Train the home inspector how insulation, air/vapor barriers, and ventilation system work to keep houses comfortable and structurally sound. While most homeowners consider that ventilation and insulation exists to reduce heating and cooling costs, the home inspector’s goal inspecting insulation, air/vapor barriers, and ventilation systems is to identify conditions that may damage or ruin the house.
The course covers the basics of types of insulation and how they work. Learn how to describe some of the common materials and their characteristics. Air/vapor barrier materials, venting roofs, venting living spaces, attic insulation, flat and cathedral roofs, walls above grade, basements and crawl spaced, floors over unheated areas and exhaust fans will be covered in this course. Moisture control, a very important and poorly understood component will be discussed. Roofs, walls, floors, basements, and crawlspaces will be studied on how insulation and ventilation problems typically occur in each aspect. Approaches that help with ventilation to maintain good air quality in buildings are a rising concern and will help the inspector advise customers.
