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This confidential report is prepared exclusively for the party named above and is the property of Top NotchHome Inspections LLC and not transferable. ©2018 Top Notch Home Inspections LLC
TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLCConfidential - Property Inspection Report - ConfidentialCover Page
4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD 21742Inspection prepared for: Sam And Sally Sample
Date of Inspection: 1/15/2018 Inspection # 011518
Inspector: Daniel DodgeMaryland License # 30932
Email: [email protected]
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 1 of 24
An inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition ofthe building. The inspection is based on observation of the visible and apparentcondition of the building and its components on the date of the inspection. The results of this home inspection are not intended to make any representationregarding latent or concealed defects that may exist, and no warranty orguarantee is expressed or implied. If your home inspector is not a licensed structural engineer or otherprofessional whose license authoize the rendering of an opinion as to thestructural integrity of a building or the condition of its components or systems,you may wish to seek the professional opinion of a licensed structural engineeror other professional regarding any possible defects or observations set forth inthis report. Only home inspections preformed by Maryland licensed home inspectors will berecognized by the buyer as a valid home inspection under a real estate contract. REPORT LIMITATIONS It is the goal of the inspection to put a home buyer in a better position tomake a buying decisionThis report is intended only as a general guide to help the client make there own evaluation of theoverall condition of the home, and is not intended to reflect the value of the premises, nor make anyrepresentation as to the advisability of purchase. The report expresses the personal opinions of theinspector, based upon his visual impressions of the conditions that existed at the time of theinspection only. The inspection and report are not intended to be technically exhaustive, or to implythat every component was inspected, or that every possible defect was discovered. No disassemblyof equipment, opening of walls, moving furniture, appliances or stored items, or excavation wasperformed. All components and conditions which by the nature of their location are concealed,camouflaged or difficult to inspect are excluded for the report. Systems and conditions which are not within the scope of the building inspection include, but are notlimited to: formaldehyde - mold or mildew - lead paint - asbestos - toxic or flammable materials -and other environmental hazards: - pest infestation, playground equipment - efficiency measurementof insulation or heating and cooling equipment, - internal or underground drainage or plumbing - anysystems which are shut down or otherwise secured; - water wells (water quality and quantity) zoningordinances; - intercoms - security systems - heat sensors - cosmetic issues - or building codeconformity. Any general comments about these systems and conditions are informational only anddo not represent an inspection. The inspection report should not be construed as a compliance inspection of any governmental ornon governmental codes or regulations. The report is not intended to be a warranty or guarantee ofthe present or future adequacy or performance of the structure, its systems, or their componentparts. This report does not constitute any express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitnessfor use regarding the condition of the property and it should not be relied upon as such. Anyopinions expressed regarding adequacy, capacity, or expected life of components are generalestimates based on information about similar components and occasional wide variations are to beexpected between such estimates and actual experience.All components designated for inspection in the ASHI Standards of Practice are inspected, except asmay be noted in the “Limitations of Inspection” sections within this report.It is the goal of the inspection to put a home buyer in a better position to make a buying decision. Not all improvements will be identified during this inspection. Unexpected repairs should still beanticipated. Highlighted terms and abbreviations can be found in the glossary at the end of this report and byhovering your cursor over highlighted text.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 2 of 24
ALL REPAIRS MUST BE MADE BY QUALIFIED LICENSED PROFESSIONALS This report is divided into two parts. Section 1 of the first part CONCERNS identifies major deficiencies.Section 2 of the first part is FYI, items in need of MAINTENANCE &suggested IMPROVEMENTSfor your home.The second part list a description of inspected items. The comments in the deficiencies section are not listed on a priority or cost of repair basis. Knowingall my customers priorities, or all the costs of repair, is impossible within the limited time frame of theinspection. Understand, this report is not a detailed encyclopedia of all the ramifications of every material,condition, or defect in the home; it is only a brief visual review intended to alert you to possibleconcerns. If you have any questions whatsoever, do not hesitate to call me at anytime, now, or a year fromnow.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 3 of 24
RECEIPT / INVOICE
1. Top Notch Home Inspections10380 Highland School RoadMyersville, MD 21773
Client Name:Sam And Sally Sample
Inspection address:4242 Your StreetYour new town, MD 21742
Inspection:$400.00Radon:$125.00Total:$525.00
Paid in full Check 8842, Thank you
Inspected By: Daniel DodgeLicense/Certification #: 30932
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 4 of 24
INSPECTION & SITE DETAILS
1. OCCUPANCYVacant
2. ATTENDING INSPECTIONClient presentBuyer Agent present
3. MAIN ENTRANCE FACES:For the purpose of this report the building entrance is considered to be facing:North West
4. INSPECTION START TIMEStart time: 1:00 PM
End time : 5:00 PM
5. RESIDENCE TYPE/STYLEDetachedSingle Family HomeColonial 2 level home (main level and 2nd floor) with finished basement
6. GARAGEAttached 2-Car Garage
7. YEAR BUILT/AGE OF HOMEBuilt in:1989 (29 years old)
8. WEATHER CONDITIONSWeather conditions at the time of the inspection: Partly cloudy CalmTemperature at the time of inspection approximately:70-80 degreesWeather leading up to inspection was:* Clear and sunny* Warm* CalmThere has been no recent rainThe ground cover was damp
9. GENERAL COMMENTS
• An active Radon system was installed and was working.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 5 of 24
LIMITATIONS
1. ITEMS NOT INSPECTED1.1. A back-up generator observed and was not tested or inspected. A licensed electrician should evaluate andoperate. Review with seller to become familiar on how to operate the emergency generator in the event of apower failure.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 6 of 24
CONCERNS Every item on this list is in need of repair, Corrective action should be taken. Read the report and review all the comments, then have appropriate contractors re-inspect the noted conditions to provide specifications and the approximate cost forrepair or correction. Concerns with RED colored text should be considered the highest priority
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 7 of 24
EXTERIOR
1. STOOP / STEP ISSUES
1.1. The rear door is unprotected from falling. Install a railing or a stairway.
2. RETAINING WALL ISSUES2.1. The wood tie retaining wall at the right side of the house is rotted and has reached the end of its usefullife. Replace the wall.
2.2. The wood tie retaining wall at the driveway has failed. Remove and replace the wall and driveway. Thiswill be a costly repair. Obtain an estimate for both the wall and drive prior to settlement.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 8 of 24
3. EXTERIOR CLADDING ISSUES3.1. The siding is damaged by the rear door and the left side frontmost Heat Pump. R/R the damaged siding.The siding has insufficient overlap by the rear door and will shrink in the winter allowing for water intrusion.R/R
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 9 of 24
ROOFING
1. Roof Covering Issues1.1. There are a few damaged roofing shingles on the rear at the plumbing vent. This is a point of waterintrusion - leaking & further damage can occur. R/R
1.2. There are missing shingles/tabs on the porch roof. This is a point of water intrusion - leaking & furtherdamage can occur. Install cap shingles.
2. Roof Penetrations & Flashing Issues
2.1. The sidewall/roof transition is improper. Roof water can get behind the wall causing serious damage.Install "kickout diverter flashing".
Add kickout flashing
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 10 of 24
Add kickout flashing
3. Chimney Issues3.1. COMPLETE CHIMNEY INSPECTION IS NOT PART OF THIS INSPECTION. I STRONGLYRECOMMEND CLEANING AND A COMPLETE CHIMNEY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION OFALL CHIMNEYS BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY.
3.2. Spark arrester/chimney cap not present on chimney. Spark arrester/chimney cap will help preventexterior fires due to flying sparks, as well as intrusion into the chimney flue and possibly the structure interiorby rain and unwanted wildlife. Have a spark arrestor/chimney cap installed.
3.3. An antenna is mounted to the chimney. The antenna will damage the chimney as they are not designedfor this. Remove the antenna.
3.4. The chimney crown is cracked or damaged. Water intrusion into the chimney can have serious damagingconsequences. Have a chimney specialist evaluate.
Damaged crown
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 11 of 24
GARAGE Safety issues inspected: All walls, doors and ceiling between the garage and the living space mustbe protected from fire. A visual inspection of the condition of the visible areas of the walls and ceiling for penetrations ispreformed. Determining the heat resistance rating of firewall is beyond the scope of this inspection. Areas covered with storage or other items cannot be inspected.Flammable materials or liquids should NOT be stored within closed garage areas.
1. VEHICLE DOOR OPENER ISSUES1.1. Pressure reverse safety system was out of adjustment rendering a possible crushing force between thegarage door and the ground (and any object in between). This a personal injury/property damage concern.Have an overhead door contractor/technician evaluate and adjust operating system in accordance withmanufacturers specifications.
2. GARRAGE FIREWALL ISSUES
Hole(s) in firewall R&R
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 12 of 24
ELECTRICAL
1. FIXTURES/SWITCHES/OUTLET ISSUES1.1. Broken receptacle. Location: . Replace the receptacle.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 13 of 24
HEAT PUMP
1. HEAT PUMP ISSUES1.1. The support pad or the heat pump is compromised allowing for the unit to settle and damage therefrigerant lines. This should be repaired by individuals with experience in this repair as the unit can bedamaged during this operation.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 14 of 24
INSULATION AND VENTILATION
1. KITCHEN, BATH & DRYER VENTILATION ISSUES1.1. The dryer is vented with plastic/foil type duct. This condition is a FIRE HAZARD. The dryer ductshould be continuous 4" smooth metal ducting. When flex duct is necessary use only metal duct and use theshortest length possible.
You might want to review the information @ this site....https://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/118931/5022.pdf
1.2. The dryer and bathroom vents, vent into the attic. The moisture exhaust from this, condenses onto theframing and insulation causing rot and mold issues. Reinstall the vent to the exterior for proper ventilationand replace any damaged material.
Water stains/damage from improper ventdischarge.
Vent into soffit/ridge
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 15 of 24
FYI, MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENTS Items in this section are in need of maintenance, or are improvements to keep your home secure.Failure to preform these tasks will result in can develop into a material defect, affecting not only saidcomponent, but adjoining systems as well.
1. GROUNDS1.1. There are some low spots along the foundation. Add additional soil to create the proper slope away fromthe house to allow for effective drainage.
Add soil here
2. BUILDING EXTERIOR2.1. Some batting boards are loose on the porch ceiling. Secure as needed.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 16 of 24
3. ROOF3.1. IMPROVE: Where down spouts discharge from an upper roof onto a lower roof, the section of the lowerroof in the path of the water will deteriorate quickly, prematurely staining and wearing out shingles. It is bestto extend the downspout along the lower roof to discharge directly into the lower roof gutter.
3.2. Add downspout extentions to drain water away from the house.
3.3. The sump discharge pipe is incorrect. It dumps the water onto the foundation. The water from the sumppit should discharge to daylight and drains away from the foundation.
Add down spout extention
4. INSUATION4.1. IMPROVE: The house has only a minimal amount of visible insulation. Expect higher heating andcooling energy costs. Have the home professionally insulated to reduce energy expenses. R-38 is the averagefor this area. I recommend higher levels as heat rises and the attic is a good area to reduce heat loss.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 17 of 24
DOCUMENTATION OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS
1. OBSERVATIONS OF EXTEIOR SYSTEMSDRIVEWAY: Asphalt--Left side of the house
WALKWAY: Concrete--Front of the house
STOOP/STEPS: Concrete--Front of the house
DECK: None Observed
RETAINING WALL: Creasote treated rail ties - Left side of the house around the parking area.
BUILDING CLADDING: Vinyl siding
WINDOWS: Vinyl Double hung
PRIMARY DOORS: Wood door with glass. Steel door with glass.
BASEMENT ENTRANCE:The basement egress is a walk out at the Right side of the house
The exterior systems have defects that should be repaired or addressed, see the deficiencies section of thisreport.
2. OBSERVATIONS OF GARAGE COMPONENTSVEHICLE DOOR TYPE: swing out hinged door
OPENER TYPE: Electric garage door opener
FLOOR: Concrete
WALLS & CEILING: Gypsum board (drywall)
PRESSURE REVERSE: Did not work. Adjust as needed.
ELECTRONIC EYE: Safety sensors operated normally, reversing the door when tested.
SPRING SAFTEY: Torsion bar-No safety issues
The garage systems have defects that should be repaired, see the deficiencies section of this report.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 18 of 24
3. OBSERVATIONS OF ROOFING SYSTEMSACCESS: Walked on the roof surface
STYLE: Front Gabled with valleys
ROOF PITCH: Medium (based on a visual assessment for my ability to walk on it.)
ROOF COVERINGS:Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles-Laminated Layers: 1 (one)
APROXIMATE AGE: 25+ years at the end of their life cycle.(Usually based on physical appearanceor age of the house)
FLASHINGS:Drip edge AluminumValley Type: Close cut asphalt.
ROOF DRAINAGE SYSTEM: Aluminum Seamless gutters & downspouts.
CHIMNEY: Main House Chase material: Masonry Spark arrester-Cap:1 of 2 Present Liner: Present
The roofing systems have concerns that should be repaired or addressed; see the concerns section of thisreport.
4. OBSERVATIONS OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMSFOUNDATION WALLS: Concrete Block
FOUNDATION FLOOR: Concrete
BEAMS & COLUMNS: Steel post Steel I beam
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION: 2 X 10-16” on centers
SUBFLOOR MATERIALS: Plywood
WALL CONSTRUCTION: Wood framing
ROOF CONSTRUCTION: Roof truss on 24" centers
ROOF SHEATHING MATERIALS: Plywood
ACCESS TO ATTIC: Pull down Ladder located in the right front bedroom,
Method of Inspection: Walked in attic
ACCESS TO BASEMENT: Interior stairway
The inspected structural system was in satisfactory condition
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 19 of 24
5. OBSERVATIONS OF INSULATION & VENTILATIONINSULATION: Unknown, Walls covered
ATTIC INSULATION: (visible) Fiberglass w/kraft paper backing 6" - R 19
ATTIC VENTILATION: Soffit & Ridge
KITCHEN VENTILATION: Recirculating hood
BATHROOM VENTILATION: Vents to the soffit or ridge vent
CLOTHES DRYER VENTILATION: Vents into the attic-see deficencies section
The insulation and ventilation systems have concerns that should be repaired or addressed, see thedeficiencies section of this report.
6. OBSERVATIONS OF INTERIOR SYSTEMSWALLS & CEILING MATERIAL: Gypsum board (drywall)
DOORS: Masonite door with imboldened panels
Hardwood in the main living area
Carpet in the bedrooms
Ceramic tile in the bathrooms
KITCHEN CABINETS: Wood
COUNTERTOPS: Laminate
• Kitchen appliances are checked for proper installation, for leaks and for basic operation (to determine if itoperates, gets hot or cold). It is beyond the scope of a home inspection to determine the effectiveness of thisunit. No opinion as to the adequacy of the appliances are given. Self or continuous cleaning operations,cooking and other specialized functions, clocks, timing devices, lights and thermostat accuracy are not testedduring this inspection.• Appliances are tested by turning them on for a short period of time in one mode only. Recommend a oneyear Homeowner’s Warranty or service contract be purchased. It is further recommended that appliances beoperated once again during the final walkthrough inspection prior to closing.
Refrigerator: Over / under-freezer top
Dishwasher: Unit was run through the short cycle
Ventilator: Recirculating type
Range: Electric. See Defect list.
Clothes Washer: Unit was run through the short cycle
Clothes Dryer: Electric Unit was run through the short cycle
The interior systems have concerns that should be repaired or addressed, see the concerns section of thisreport.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 20 of 24
7. OBSERVATIONS OF PLUMBING SYSTEMSWATER SUPPLY ENTRY & SHUT OFF LOCATION: on the rear exterior wall in the basement
VISIBLE SERVICE PIPING MATERIAL: ABS (black plastic pipe)
READILY VISIBLE WATER SUPPLY PIPES ARE: Thermoplastic - CPVC (Chlorinated PolyvinylChloride) - yellowish white in color ,
VISIBLE WASTE PIPING IN HOUSE: PVC (white plastic pipe),
Frost free, anti siphon hose bib(s)LOCATION: Rear of the house Right side of the house -Spigots were on during the inspection
WATER HEATER: Location: in the utility room , in the basement Type: Conventional tank type Energy Source: Electric Capacity: 50 gallons TPR Valve: Present and Properly plumbed Year of manufacture, 08/2003 (13+ years), Water heaters have a typical life expectancy of8-12 years.
All plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers, tubs ) were inspected for; leaks, function, condition,tightness and caulking and were in satisfactory condition.
Functional Flow: Adequate
The plumbing systems have defects that should be repaired or addressed, see the deficiencies section of thisreport.
Location of main shut off Location of shut off for hose spigot
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 21 of 24
8. OBSERVATIONS OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSSERVICE TYPE:Underground service lateral
LOCATION OF THE METER: Left side of the house
MAIN SERVICE PANEL LOCATION: in the garage
SERVICE RATING: 400 Amps (2 @ 200 )
DISCONNECT: Breakers -LOCATION:In the main electric panel
GROUNDING: The main electrical panel appeared to be properly grounded
EQUIPMENT TYPE:Breakers
SUBPANEL: Present
SUBPANEL LOCATION: in the utility room in the basement
SUBPANEL SERVICE RATING: 100 Amps
SUBPANEL DISCONNECT LOCATION: In the main electric panel
GROUND AND NEUTRAL PROPERLY SEPARATED: YES
DISTRIBUTION WIRING:NM-Copper wire in Non metallic sheathing
GFCI is an electrical safety device that cuts power to the individual outlet and/or entire circuit when as littleas .005 amps is detected leaking--this is faster than a person's nervous system can react! Kitchens, bathrooms.whirlpools/hot-tubs, unfinished basements, garages, and exterior circuits are normally GFCI protected. Thisprotection is from electrical shock.
A visual inspection of observable wiring systems was preformed and a representative sampling of outlets,switches and light fixtures were tested. No deficiencies noted.
The electrical systems have defects that should be repaired or addressed, see the deficiencies section of thisreport.
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 22 of 24
9. HEAT PUMPOUTSIDE HEAT PUMP:
TYPE: Air Cooled split system Central Heat Pump
CAPACITY/SIZE: 2 Ton Heat pump
LOCATION: Right side of the house
ENERGY SOURCE: Electric
DISCONNECT OBSERVED: YES
Date in serial #: 5th month of 2003 (14 years old )
INSIDE AIR HANDLER:
LOCATION: in the utility room in the basement
ENERGY SOURCE: Electric
Date in serial #: 5th month of 2003 (14 years old )
REFRIGERANT: 410-A
FILTER TYPE: Disposable filter(s)
DISTRIBUTION: Galvanized sheet metal - ceiling/ floor registers
Auxiliary/Back-up fired.
Supply air temp: 74 ° F -Ambient return air temp: 53 ° FTemperature differential: 21 degrees in COOLING mode.Difference in temperature (split) should be 14-22 degrees fahrenheit.
The Heat Pump systems were satisfactory
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 23 of 24
10. HEAT PUMP #2OUTSIDE HEAT PUMP:
TYPE:Air Cooled split system Central Heat Pump
CAPACITY/SIZE: 2 1/2 Ton Heat pump
LOCATION: Right side of the house
ENERGY SOURCE: Electric
DISCONNECT OBSERVED: YES
Date on unit: 05/2003 ( 14 years old )
INSIDE AIR HANDLER:
LOCATION: in the atttic
Date on unit: 05/2003 ( 14 years old )
FILTER TYPE: Disposable filter(s)
DISTRIBUTION: Galvanized sheet metal ductwork - ceiling registers/Wall returns
Auxiliary/Back-up heat tested normally.
Supply air temp: 62 ° F -Ambient return air temp: 80 ° FTemperature differential: 18 degrees in COOLING mode.Difference in temperature (split) should be 14-22 degrees fahrenheit.
The Heat Pump systems were satisfactory
11. OBSERVATIONS OF FIREPLACES AND SOLID FUEL APPLINCESCOMPLETE CHIMNEY INSPECTION IS NOT PART OF THIS INSPECTION. I STRONGLYRECOMMEND CLEANING AND A COMPLETE CHIMNEY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION OFALL CHIMNEYS BEFORE TAKING POSSESSION OF THE PROPERTY.
LOCATION: in the kitchen
TYPE: Wood burning
Daniel Dodge TOP NOTCH HOME INSPECTIONS LLC
Sam And Sally Sample 4242 Your Street, Your new town, MD
Page 24 of 24
GlossaryGlossary
Term DefinitionABS Acronym for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene; rigid black plastic
pipe used only for drain lines.Drip Edge Drip edge is a metal flashing applied to the edges of a roof deck
before the roofing material is applied. The metal may begalvanized steel, aluminum (painted or not), copper and possiblyothers.
GFCI A special device that is intended for the protection of personnelby de-energizing a circuit, capable of opening the circuit wheneven a small amount of current is flowing through the groundingsystem.
NM Non MetallicPVC Polyvinyl chloride, which is used in the manufacture of white
plastic pipe typically used for water supply lines.R/R Repair or ReplaceTPR Valve The thermostat in a water heater shuts off the heating source
when the set temperature is reached. If the thermostat fails, thewater heater could have a continuous rise in temperature andpressure (from expansion of the water). The temperature andpressure could continue to rise until the pressure exceeds thepressure capacity of the tank (300 psi). If this should happen, thesuper-heated water would boil and expand with explosive force,and the tank would burst. The super-heated water turns to steamand turns the water heater into an unguided missile. To preventthese catastrophic failures, water heaters are required to beprotected for both excess temperature and pressure. Usually, themeans of protection is a combination temperature- and pressure-relief valve (variously abbreviated as T&P, TPV, TPR, etc.). Mostof these devices are set to operate at a water temperature above200° F and/or a pressure above 150 psi. Do not attempt to testthe TPR valve yourself! Most water heating systems should beserviced once a year as a part of an annual preventivemaintenance inspection by a professional heating and coolingcontractor. From Plumbing: Water Heater TPR Valves
Valley The internal angle formed by the junction of two sloping sides ofa roof.
flashing Flashing is a thin impervious material consisting of sheet metal,plastic, rubber, etc. that can be found at intersections andterminations of roofing systems and other exterior surfaces. It isused to prevent water from penetrating the building envelope(roof and walls). Flashing is most commonly found at roofvalleys, chimneys, roof penetrations, eaves, skylights roof-to-wallintersections, and around exterior wall penetrations such aswindows and doors. Loose or missing flashing allows water topenetrate the building envelope and can potentially cause waterdamage to the structure and interior finishes. Additionally, looseflashing can become a source of wind borne debris during a highwind event.