Home : Blogs : Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector : Charles's Seattle Home Inspection Blog

Is there a “minimum” distance to FALL?

I have said in the past how Building Codes are "minimum" standards. A good example of this is that the dryer vent locations are allowed to terminate on the roof of a 3 story townhouse---where it is the owner's responsibility to clean it. I have seen them on roofs with a 12/12 pitch (45 degree angle), that even I hate to walk on. How exactly is anyone supposed to keep these things cleaned? Why isn't the location regulated by the codes? Perhaps when someone falls off a roof it will find its way into the code.

I frequently find these vent caps clogged with lint and the damper stuck open. Not only do clogged dryer vents represent a fire hazard they can also be a pathway for moisture and critters into the ductwork. Here is a picture of a dryer cap found on a 3-story townhouse roof. plugged dryer vent

When buying Townhouses and Condos it is a good idea to set up a maintenance schedule, or make sure there is one in place, for keeping these vents clean and functional. It can sometimes be difficult to find a licensed tradesperson willing to do this type of maintenance---due to liability. I certainly would not want to be recommending maintenance by the homeowner! On the Planet Charles, these vent caps would not be allowed on Townhouse roofs.

Charles Buell

PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed) all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.

Posted by Charles Buell, Seattle, WA, Home Inspector on 05/07/2008 08:30 AM

Comments (13)

seattle wa, shoreline wa, edmonds wa, ballard wa, mount lake terrace wa, renton wa, everett wa, lynnwood wa, kenmore wa, west seattle wa

Originally posted at: Seattle Home Inspector's Blog: Is there a “minimum” distance to FALL?

Post is included in group: Independent Thinking Inspectors
Post is included in group: Home Inspectors
Post is included in group: Property Inspection Discussion
Post is included in group: Puget Sound - WA Real Estate
Post is included in group: Home Inspectors across the country

13 Comments on Is there a “minimum” distance to FALL?

MAY

2008

Another great photo that makes one wonder why anyone would take the chance of not having a home inspection.

Well we just had an inspection where codes missed that the main beam of a home was supported by a 2x4 that had been nailed to the foundation. Somehow the framing inspector missed that. How does that happen?????

That is a pretty nasty looking vent. I'm convinced builders are about half trained. Realtors go to school, home inspectors go to school. Where is a builder's school located? Better be careful on top of those 3 story buildings!!

Joe, unfortunately these things should have to wait for a home inspector---they need to be cleaned as often as necessary----probably 2-3 times a year.

Maria, it happens because what is being asked of Municpal inspectors is impossible---there just isn't the time for them to do what is necessary. And there isn't the political will for it to be any different.

Barbara, most builders learn by "osmosis" and trial and error:)

I'll come and clean it. Cost is airfare, motel, food, misc expenses and $35.00/hr. Want to schedule an appointment?

David, you know, I have some past buyers that actually do have me back periodically to to this maintenance----gotta love cleaning out the bees:) Pretty good "ancilliary" service we can provide

Wow...that looks REAL clogged up. Scary Clogged!!

Sean Allen

Sean, unfortunately it is only too common. Take for example this one I photographed on the three story building next to the one I was inspecting. clogged dryer vent

And the close-up: clogged dryer vent

MAY

2008

Good post Charles.

Around here, builders treat dryer vent placement as some kind of afterthought, that they almost forgot about. So, the end result is they get relegated to whatever space is left, after the heating ducts, plumbing, and wiring go in. Sometimes that space is too far away from the dryer location, or sometimes it requires having way too amny bends put in the pipe.

This is an issue that I think has been neglected by code requirements long enough. Why can't these be marked on the blueprint for exact location, and installed with the heating ductwork? I'm sure the HVAC installer could handle it.

Good post Charles. Would that not be the HOA's responsibility as part of routine property maintenance to clean the dryer vents? I', like you, I do not like getting on 12/12 pitched roofs.

Kevin, sounds like a plan to me:)

Michael, around here, very few Townhouses have HOA's----Condos yes.

Well put Charlie. Not only is it hard to clean, but going straight up like that, and maybe for a couple of floors, puts a huge strain on the dryer motor als (likely would void the warranty too). It should be illegal to put dryer vents on the roof.

David, I agree---they should be illegal on roofs period---regardless of height.

Leave a response…

Name:

Email:
(optional)

Comment:

What does the graphic say?