So I found this crack in the side of the slab. I certain this is not one to worry about but I was wondering what are the signs more experienced inspectors look for when it comes to foundation issues. I usually look around windows and door frames to see any separation or cracking.
Add some pics.
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Got the one I saw added now.
The crack in the picture does not appear significant from the limited view of the exterior part of it… It should be sealed with flexible sealant. Also, note, if you look closer you will notice someone trying to repair it before (parging over the original surface). How old is the house? Whenever there is cracking in the foundation, you want to look for signs of initial movement… and signs of continuing movement. If it’s a stable, shrinkage crack, all it usually needs is sealing/waterproofing.
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The house was built in 1993. As I said I didn’t think it was significant but there is areas where I can not see the foundation. What signs of initial movement should I be looking for? Just looking for better practices to improve.
Joshua, I looked for widening separation, crack displacement (Where one side is out further that the other side, horizontal cracks, cracks with bowing walls, etc.
I hope that helps… 
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It really does, I always look for this at windows having a wider separation at one end compared to the other end. I am even careful to look for it when people try to cover it up with caulking. I was wondering if you ever look at other areas where this might be happening. When ever I find a crack I make sure it is consistent in width and if it is I believe most of the time it is not a foundation issue, not sure if this is completely correct.
Joshua, I would have to see the situation in order to answer your (bolded) query.
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I’ll be sure to share a crack I ever have a question on. Every crack I have found so far in the foundation has looked similar to the one I have posted here.
You were talking about a crack in a slab in the OP, I wouldn’t be concerned with a crack like that even in Northern Maine. Concrete cracks and that one shown looks like a shrinkage crack without structural consequences. But, I do not know where you are at.
Central Florida, I was just wanting to know the best practices to inspecting foundation. trying to take away from more experienced inspectors to add to my company.
Is it a Post Tension Cable slab or conventional deformed steel for reinforcement?
Is it just me, or does everyone else see a repair patch the size of a PTS plug right at the crack.
That’s why I asked if this was a PTC foundation. If so a crack at that location might be an issue.
Another example of not knowing where the member is from. I see the patch too, now, and I agree.
We do not see these types of foundations often in NE Ohio. Why would a small crack at the sight of the plug patch be an issue?
It wasn’t, with the post I stated I wasn’t worried about the crack. But I was asking for everyone’s best practices for looking for foundation issues.
That would be the end of a PT Cable, more specifically the Live End (Stressed End). The cable is held in place by a cable mount/bracket that gets its strength being encased in concrete. The cables are typically tensioned to very high numbers placing stress at that point as that was its design. A crack at a PTC location can have the effect of weakening the support for it. If the cable releases the results are unpredictable.
I worked with a guy long ago (not Inspections) who was building a $1.5M house for him and the Wife. They had over tensioned the PTC and the concrete itself apparently (after engineering review) was found of insufficient strength. The cables, all of them and there were a lot on this home, released along the entire front of the home. He showed us pictures and it looked like the house had been bombed! They were at least 80% done with the home and in the finish out stage.
What “wasn’t”? If you were not worried about the crack why would you be concerned with damage to interior finish out?
Ouch!.. 