PHOTO GALLERY

Here is a small collection of defects we see almost on a weekly basis when we’re out in the field. Click on a picture below the see a larger image as well as a brief description of the defect featured.

This is what an old asphalt composition roof will look like when it's getting older and wearing out. Once the granules have worn off and the fiberglass matrix below is visible, the roof's days are numbered.

Frequently in attics we will find that someone working in the attic, either installing a new light fixture, a ceiling fan, or maybe some speakers, had to move the insulation out of the way, then forgot to put it back when they were done. Now there is a huge hole in the insulation that is allowing large amounts of heat to escape through your ceiling into your attic.

Whether over time or because someone was working on it, bathroom fan ducts frequently become disconnected. This allows the steam from the bathroom to enter the attic and can lead to condensation or mold/mildew problems.

Sometimes, you just get people who don't know what they're doing on a roof.

This is usually a defect that is either built into a house or results from significant additions. These "pinch points" on the roof will easily trap organic debris (leaves, branches, pine needles etc.) and will cause moisture to collect on the roof.

Plugged gutters are one of the most common defects we find on houses, and yet are one of the most important issues to take care of. When gutters are plugged they will overflow rather than properly flow to the downspouts which lead the water away from the house. Also, plugged gutters are much heavier and are at risk of failing and tearing away from the home.

Trusses, the most common roof framing configuration in use today, are designed to provide the most stength with the least amount of materials. So when they are modified in anyway it can drastically reduces the load bearing capacity of the truss.

Similarly to the previoius picture, notching the top or bottom chords (in this case, to provide clearance for a look out rafter) significantly reduces the strength of a truss.

For scheduling and pricing, call (425) 820-7087.

Washington State Licensed Home Inspectors #201, #448, #698.