Oath Keepers

04/09/2025

We always get into the attic to check for insulation levels, effectiveness, leaks, incorrect construction methods and much more. Here we would like to see a barrier between the hot and cold parts of the attic, insulated and non insulated, and the storage/non storage areas. Overall this attic was decent with a tremendous amount of insulation.

29/08/2025

We love detailed and accurate information about structural and non-structural members in building construction.

This is a detailed 3D architectural drawing, likely a technical diagram or a cross-section detail, illustrating the construction of an exterior wall system, specifically a brick veneer wall tied to an internal steel stud frame. The drawing provides a cutaway view to show the various layers and components.

Key Components and Layers (from outside to inside):

* Brick Veneer: The outermost layer is a non-structural brick veneer. The bricks are stacked in a running bond pattern.
* Brick Ties: Thin metal wires or straps (shown in yellow) are used to connect the brick veneer to the internal wall framing. This allows the brick to stand independently while being held securely to the main structure.
* Insulation: A layer of rigid insulation board (shown in light blue) is placed behind the brick veneer, providing a continuous thermal break.
* Air Cavity: A small space is maintained between the brick veneer and the insulation. This air cavity is crucial for drainage and ventilation, allowing any water that gets behind the brick to drain down and escape.
* Moisture Barrier/Flashing: A black membrane is shown at the bottom of the air cavity, acting as flashing to direct water out of the wall system. Weep holes (small openings at the base of the brick wall, not explicitly shown but implied) would allow this water to escape.
* Steel Lintel/Shelf Angle: A steel angle bracket (shown in brown) is used to support the weight of the bricks above a window or door opening. This is a crucial structural component for a brick veneer wall.
* Wall Sheathing/Substrate: A green board, likely a type of sheathing or a water-resistant gypsum board, is fastened to the steel studs. This provides a structural base for the other layers.
* Steel Stud Framing: The internal structural frame of the wall is made of vertical steel studs. These are the main load-bearing components of this wall system.
* Interior Insulation: Pink fiberglass batt insulation is placed between the steel studs, providing additional thermal insulation and sound dampening.
* Gypsum Wallboard/Drywall: The innermost layer (shown in white/gray) is the interior wall surface, which is fastened to the steel studs. A corner bead and a mesh tape are shown at the joint, indicating a finished, ready-to-paint surface.
* Concrete Slab: The bottom of the drawing shows a concrete floor slab with embedded steel rebar, which is the foundation or floor structure that the wall system is built upon.

Overall Interpretation:

This image is a highly informative technical diagram for architects, engineers, and builders. It clearly illustrates the complex "rain screen" principle of a modern brick veneer wall system. The drawing shows how the various layers—structural framing, insulation, air cavity, and the brick veneer—work together to provide a durable, energy-efficient, and moisture-resistant building envelope. The level of detail, showing specific components like brick ties, flashing, and steel angles, makes it a valuable tool for understanding the proper construction of such a wall system.

28/08/2025

Safety standards state flex yellow gas lines should not be used above ground for approximately 100’. These are to be installed below grade where the line cannot be easily cut.

25/08/2025

Photoelectric sensors for garage door must be installed with automatic doors. The height can be no more than 6” above the floor. Here we found the home owner mounted them on top of the automatic door motor at ceiling height. I hope it goes without saying, this is not allowed.

23/08/2025

The roof that was inspected by walking every section and area of the roof. It proved the thought that this roof was completely destroyed by years and severe weather. It was strongly advised this roof be replaced immediately.

15/08/2025

One way to make sure your radon mitigation system is working is to make sure the “system monitor” is offset like this. The one negative is cutting a portion of the bottom of the floor joist out to run it to the exterior. You never want to cut the tension portion of any structural member like this.

07/08/2025

Let’s see what people think, look closely. Is this pipe cutout allowable going off of the national building code?

02/08/2025

The underside of box gutters are notorious for water damage or rodents living in them. Here is one side dislodged allowing birds or other animals to nest in.

28/07/2025

I was called to help figure a problem out this weekend and to find the reason why water was running into a basement. The plans call for 2 layers of drywall to help as a temperature barrier between the garage and utility chase. That DID NOT HAPPEN, the insulation was installed backwards, and all caused a big issue. The amount of rust found on the duct work, water stains and minor mold prove this has been an issue for years that was never noticed.
A plan is now in place to fix the mold issue, dry the void space, re-insulate correctly followed by installing the required 2 layers of drywall per the plans.
The pictures are from a small rope camera we use for tight spaces to track down issues. You can see the moisture beads and moisture streaks running down the AC runs.

26/07/2025

Found during a renovation of a very large structure. The chimney on the south side of the structure had severe movement throughout, failing mortar, and bricks falling out with a finger amount of force. The renovators are taking the necessary steps to remove the entire chimney and repair the brick closing in the structure.