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rray · Guest

I had my first inspection with dormers. Interesting to say the least. First picture shows the three dormers. There was no access to the interior of the dormers, either from the exterior or from the attic. Between the left and middle dormer in the attic was additional framing added to connect the trusses, shown in second and third pictures. These were very close to each other (if you look to the far left in the second picture, you can see the framing shown in the third picture, and at the far right of the third picture is the framing in the second picture). There was nothing similar between the right and middle dormers. Trusses were unevenly spaced. Homeowner said the dormers were built on the ground, raised into position, nailed into place, and windows installed. Comments?

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/Housefront.jpg

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/Atticframing.jpg

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/Atticframing1.jpg
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Home inspections. . . .
One home at a time.

joffrey · Guest

I think it's funny that attic dormers serve no purpose other than aesthetics, yet nine times out of ten they don't space them symetrically.

These pic's show a dormer and lower window moved at my request earlier this year. The second pic shows the dormer moved but not completely installed.

http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/MVC-005F.JPG
http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/0MVC-00112F.JPG
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rsummers · Guest

I would be sure to check for eave vents. Its odd that the builder didn't open them up to the attic. With out proper ventilation you could have a condensation issue with the windows.

rray · Guest

Hadn't considered that specific issue per sé, but all the dormers I had been in in Texas were accessible for such maintenance purposes. Thanks.
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Home inspections. . . .
One home at a time.

dladbrake · Guest

We sure do run into some funny things. This client was advised that a leak had occurred around the dormer but had been repaired. He did not know what the repairs were.

My report indicated:

"Poor roof design has a valley directly meeting the E side of the front facing dormer. This roof valley will channel large amounts of water into the side of the dormer. Flashing in this area must be perfectly installed to prevent water penetration. Normal 4" step flashing may not suffice, 6" step flashing may be required. Consult roofer for opinion."

Hopefully you can see from the picture the valley in question.

rray · Guest

Poor roof design?
Consult roofer for opinion?

Perhaps you were too easy? How about "Sue builder/developer/architect for cost of house."?

ROTFLMAO

jhaggarty · Guest

Dan:

Well done. I have seen valleys such as this and report the same or similar.

Report the deficiency and recommend further review. Let the experts voice their expert opinion. Good call.

Resist the temptation of personal comment as Russel suggests to be contained within the report.
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Joseph Hagarty

HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

gary havens · Guest

nice topic, guys. thx.

the photo of the inside of those dormers in question -- all that white stuff on the nailers and trusses -- isn't that mold???