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The Blue Print – March 2024

posted by MC

Our homes speak to our heads and our hearts. We all need well built, safe places to live but without beauty it is not a home. Our group is proud of delivering excellence on the former. Ultimately residential structures need to be maintained to be safe. As an architect, and an artist, I certainly appreciate how our homes are more complete and enjoyable with beauty. This month, as you walk your properties with the inevitable checklist, consider looking at the overall attractiveness of the building and the site. It matters to the residents.

Hiring Project Oversight for Re-Roofing is a Worthwhile Investment

J. Hershey Building Consultants is often hired to assess the condition of roofs on multi-unit properties. This type of assessment should always include inspection of the spaces under the roof. As you can see from the images below, these roofs were due for replacement. Below are some of the other issues identified:

Exhaust fans should not vent into the attic. Instead, they should vent out through the roof. Venting into the attic can create moisture and mold conditions. Below left and center pictures illustrate failure to vent exhaust out of the building. Below right shows vent ducts with too much slack, which impacts vent efficiency.

Inadequate insulation, or the incorrect insulation, not only contributes to costly heat loss but can also enable ice damming which can result in water infiltration. Ice damming also shortens the useful life of a roof. Below left gives an example of an inadequate insulation level.

Siding installation adjacent to roofing should be also be reviewed. Above right picture shows the siding in direct contact with the roof. The bottom of the siding, or the “J molding” should be slightly above the roof which creates a gap for water to run along the flashing and off the roof. Otherwise water can get be directed behind the siding which may damage wall construction.

Roofing projects are a considerable expense for most properties. Many associations want to maximize the useful life of this investment by hiring an objective professional to monitor the quality of the work. J Hershey Building Consultants has worked with many associations to monitor re-roofing and roof repair projects

Brand New Roof Review Included in a Transition Study

J. Hershey Building Consultants was hired to conduct a Transition Study for a new condo development. Transition studies are done as the developer is turning over property management to the association and identify existing property issues that the developer should address before considering construction complete. Transition studies help new associations by minimizing premature maintenance costs and maximizing useful life of the property elements.

Below pictures taken by drone show the rooflines of two different building styles in this development. Neat, right?!?

The photo below left shows exposed roof sheathing where the roof ridges intersect. These missing shingles will create water infiltration issues. The photo below right shows one of the damaged shingles found which, if left unnoticed, would have resulted in repair costs not anticipated.

question — Picture above shows continuous metal flashing at a wall to roof juncture. The nail fasteners are partially exposed through the sealant. This creates water infiltration risk.

What is wrong with the picture below?

Let’s continue to improve our ability to proactively maintain our properties!

**Answer**: The downspout drains onto common walkway. This creates a walking hazard as the downspout will pour debris and excess water onto the walkway during warmer weather, and could contribute to icy conditions in the winter.

Our easy online Request For Proposal Forms can be accessed at the top right of the JHersheyGroup home page.

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