E. Burns

Note: Located in Florida where drip edges are installed on all roofs. Only code reference is that the drip edge requires two inch overlap. The gutter installations we see 95% of the time: The gutter spikes penetrate the drip edge. Oftentimes in addition to the gutter spikes penetrating the drip edge, the drip edge is notched to accommodate the gutter spike. I understand in other parts of the country this is not the way gutters are typical installed. Roofers do not install gutters here, most are installed by the same company that installs insulation or a gutter company. We write: The rain gutter spikes penetrate through the eave drip. The metal eave flashing (eave drip) is supposed to lap over the gutter, not to be installed through the drip edge. I tried to get proof from the SMACNA without success. Does any one have a referance I can go to in the roofing industry or gutter industry. I would also like your opinions. Thanks, Ellen (Melbourne is located in East Central Florida)

Thanks for the reply, Kurt. Seems like we don't have the problem here due to the heat, most materials are pliable and can be shaped nicely into place. Ellen 70 degrees late Jan.

Brian, We do make the recommendation to replace those shingles, when the substrate is exposed. Here in the Hot Hot South we very rarely (maybe twice a year) see the cracking to the ridge shingles. Hopefully Kurt can give us some insight into the assessory shingles. Ellen (F.O.K.)

Kurt, A couple of questions so I understand. Why do the roofing manufacturers and manufacturers of other products put certain items in their manuals, instructions etc? Why would they have to cover themselves if it is not a problem and not a potential problem? Have you ever used the "accessory shingles"? Do they manufacturer those to avoid the cracking and the exposing of the substrate at the ridge shingles. I don't see anything wrong with saying," this typically happens because..........". But, I believe that it is the inspectors job to report it and explain it. Then let the client have the opportunity to do what they will. Our clients are smart and understand this stuff when explained. Ellen

We personally are not associated in any way with the realtors associations. As far as the lock box key. We also feel that it is the realtors responsibility to open the house. When a realtor tells our client that we should have a key to someone's house, they think that is ridiculous when they think about it. For those that market to realtors I would think that it is an advantage to having the realtor (s) there. Get to know them, chit chat etc. For us that don't market to realtors I believe that it is a great disadvantage to not have the client there. That's where we get our referrals. Getting to know them, chit chat etc.

Brian, You sure are confident. Lady in Blue today

Per the Certainteed Master Shingle Applicator manual (great book for library). Requires Immediate Attention: 3 tab- cracking Laminated Shingle-cracking. There are accessory shingles for some of the Certainteed shingles such as the New Horizon and their Laminated shingles that are sold for capping hip and ridge. They are probably more costly. We write up all cracked shingles. Ellen

Hi Brian: From all the water heater installation manuals I have seen: The manual gas shut-off valve should be at least 5 feet above the floor and readily accessible for turning on or off. All show a typical installation diagram as well. The lady in red.

Mike, I didn't read your reply until I sent the last message. Thanks for the advise, that is what we are currently doing. We will continue. Ellen

Thanks for the reply George. We will rethink that type of testing. Just thought if it was easy enough we can take a quick measurement. Currently we document the lack of visible provisions and recommend having the a/c contractor measure the pressure and document his findings. If we don't see the provisions for return air. Would you personally not mention it at all?

Does anyone use a Manometer? The reason I'm asking is we have in the Florida Building Code requirements for pascal movement in sleeping rooms with the doors closed. Here is the code: §M601.4 Balanced Return Air. Restricted return air occurs in buildings when returns are located in central zones and closed interior doors impede air flow to the return grill or when ceiling spaces are used as return plenums and fire walls restrict air movement from one portion of the return plenum to another. Provisions shall be made in both residential and commercial buildings to avoid unbalanced air flows and pressure differentials caused by restricted return air. Pressure differentials across closed doors where returns are centrally located shall be limited to 0.001 inch WC (2.5 pascals) or less. Pressure differentials across fire walls in ceiling space plenums shall be limited to 0.001 inch WC (2.5 pascals) by providing air duct pathways or air transfer pathways from the high pressure zone to the low zone. Visible provisions are not present in all jurisdictions. It was suggested to us from a a/c contractor to purchase a manometer. Rather than state visible provisions have not been made IE: Transfer grilles, Return ducts, 2 1/2 inch undercuts. If anyone is using a manometer what capacity are you using it in? What model are you using?

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies. Mike, I thought I found a reference in the Builders Guide (Hot-Humid Climates)but I can not locate the reference. Thanks for the IRC reference. Norm, I checked the Florida Building Code and could not find a reference there. Do you know of one? Paul, The zero lot lines do make it difficult to get a correct slope around here also. I had a heat pump installer the other day tell me he could not get the proper clearance off of the exterior wall?! Brian, The dress is a Donna Karan original and the hair, I worked on it myself before the photo. You like?

When checking the grading on a home we use the 5-10% fall away from the structure (6" to 12" in 10 feet. Is this what everyone uses? Does anyone know where this is documented? [:-snorkel]Thanks, Ellen