HomeMy WebLinkAboutBLD2008-01482 ENGINEER LETTER.TIFSTEVE L. KNIGHT, PE
1507 MT. VERNON AVE
STATESVILLE, NC 28677
PHONE (704) 878.2996
FAX (704) 878 -8887
July 31, 2008
Mrs. Carroll Propst
2681 Emmanuel Church Road
Conover, NC 28613
RE. 2744 Burnley Road, Newton, NC
Dear Mrs. Propst
Per your request, I met with you and your contractor at the subject manufactured home
to observe the new metal roofing that is in the process of being installed. It is my
understanding that the local building code enforcement officer is requiring this
evaluation, to be performed by an engineer, to verify that this new roofing can be safely
installed on this manufactured home.
The original home's construction falls under a different code, developed by the Federal
Government and enforced by HUD, than most site built residences. Without going into
a lot of detail, please recognize that the best approach for modifying a manufactured
home is to use the North Carolina Residential Building Code with the guidance of an
engineer. It is my understanding that to do otherwise will require that you have your
modifications or repairs tested by HUD.
At the time of my visit, the metal roofing was in place but none of the trim was installed.
Therefore, I was able to see the ends of the 1x4 strips that were attached to the home's
existing roof sheathing, which, in turn, attaches the metal roofing to the home. All of the
ceilings finishes were in place so I was unable to see the roof framing.
The weight of the 29 gauge metal roofing (the contractor provided the gauge
information) is approximately 0.56 pounds per square foot. The six strips of 1x4 add
approximately 0.30 pounds per square foot to the added weight. This is approximately
0.86 pounds per square foot, less than one pound per square foot that has been added
to this structure. This is somewhat of an insignificant amount of added weight and
should not be a problem for the home's existing framing or support. Most other
methods of installing a new roof would have added much more weight than this and
would most likely have become a problem. The added weight could be more than the
home's framing was designed to safely support.
The pre - existing front porch roof was also covered at the time of my visit. I could not
determine when this porch was added but it was not recent. I could determine that the
metal roofing was attached directly to the plywood roof sheathing. Although beyond the
scope of review requested by the inspections department, I was able to determine from
your photos that the front wall of the home is supporting the porch framing. The roof
framing is not providing any support. I could not see any problems this has created for
the home's framing or support by the time of my visit.
The concern I did notice with the porch roof was the way the roof metal transition was
flashed into the main roof. I believe that the method of installation will allow the roof to
eventually leak. This concern was discussed with your contractor. He indicated that he
understood my concern and would make sure the appropriate corrections were made.
At this point, I assume that the local building inspector will do the final inspections of this
installation and you will not need any additional services for me. If this is not the case,
please let me know so we can schedule the final inspection.
It should not be implied that this report is a comprehensive review or inspection of all
aspects of the property. It is only a report of the items specifically addressed herein.
No assumptions or implications should be made regarding anything that is not covered
in this report.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service to you. If I may be of further assistance,
please let me know.
Sincerely,
Steve L. Knight, PE
Steve L. Knight, PE
1507 Mt Vemon Avenue
Statesville, NC 28677 -3539
Phone (704) 878 -2996
FAX (704) 878 -8887
BILLING ADDRESS
Mrs. Carroll Propst
2681 Emmanuel Church Road
Conover, NC 28613
Invoice
DATE INVOICE #
7/3112008 3249
PROJECTADDRESS
2744 Burnley Road
Newton, NC
DUE DATE
8/10/2006
DESCRIPTION
Site visit with letter of findings
AM OUNT
475.00
I�
J CIO
Thank you for your businessl Total 475.00