The article: “Shrinkage Cracks in Concrete” lists several contributing factors why concrete forms cracks. The initial curing process can cause cracking in the surface due to differential temperatures and evaporation rates from the center of newly poured concrete to the outer area where the evaporation is much quicker and the air temperature cools the concrete at a faster rate than the inner region.
The photo is of a stucco covered concrete block wall. The wall shows cracks in the stucco finish due to cracks and breaks in the mortar between the concrete blocks. The location of the cracks is 24 inches up from the foundation and footing, and 6 feet from the rear corner of the house structure. There is no gutter system in place to remove excess water run-off from the roof. Other cracks around the area on the rear side of the structure, 7 feet from the same corner, at the end of an 18 foot steel I-Beam Lentil, is a 12 inch diagonal crack (approx… 1/8th inch wide) running from the upper left corner of the lanai opening toward the soffit area. Together, the two damaged cracked areas are the result of a lack of sufficient water removal from the side of the structure, and some settlement of the ground below this corner foundation.
Permanent Wood Foundations by Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
What I learned from this article:
- Pressure-treated wood makes it possible to construct Permanent Wood Foundations (PWFs), by protecting it against insects and moisture. They are simpler, quicker, and economical than masonry foundations. Their limitations include: a shorter life-span, and less durable than masonry.
- Because PWFs require dry soil around them, they are mildew-free, and drier.
- The PWF offer wood walls in the basement affording an excellent opportunity for finishing out a basement area by constructing an insulated stud wall.
- Both can be sufficiently insulated to provide warmth to a basement area.
- Dampness is the real enemy, and the source of the moisture must be determined. Probing from the outside, or visual inspection of an unfinished basement is best inside.
- Damp-proofing and Moisture Protection is vital to PWFs.
Since PWFs are relatively new and rare, I need to know the various common defects, and their causes to enable my inspections to be very comprehensive and complete.
A hairline crack was observed to the lower right of the homes rear window. This crack is small with no signs of expanding. The crack is most likely an old shrinkage crack. Resealing crack to prevent any water intrusion is recommended.
After reading the article on Adjustable Steel Columns I learned a few things. We all know how helpful these columns are. They can be a quick fix to a sagging structure when you need to close a sale etc. There are some things that need to be considered in order to make sure the job is done right though. One thing is to make sure the whole unit is covered in a rust proof coating.( Dryer climates may not require this.) Also, the post must be at least 3-inch diameter. Any less would be considered a defect.
In this picture, that I found. I noticed some typical structural cracking though the mortar of these CMU’s. This is a common thing found with block homes. It appears to have been repaired with a caulking material. I would suggest painting the area with a moisture barrier type paint to prevent any moisture intrusion.
In this picture of air sealed that was found in the gallery, I learned. The necessary ways to seal light fixtures, ceiling fans, Electrical outlets, walls, Electrical wiring, air ducts, phone and security lines. As well as how to run the electrical lines for future installments.
The pictures shows a foundation with defects. we can see the poor qualities of the work when they mixes the cements with the aggregates. this problem can produce water intrusion,very serious cracks in the foundation with serious consequences for the future.
Foundation Types
Foundations types are either full basement, slab-on-grade, or crawlspace. Deep frostlines and low water tables often make a full basement the primary foundation of choice. However, slab-on-grade with walkout basement construction is common, and home additions often have crawlspace foundatio
Modular block retaining walls employ interlocking concrete units that tie back into the earth to efficiently resist loads. It is important to have proper drainage behind the wall in order to eliminate the hydrostatic pressure and improve the stability of the material behind the wall.
Child-Proofing Windows and Stairs
The number one hazard for children is falls in the home. For staircases a hardware mounted gate is the best safety measure of kids. Railings balustrades should not be more than four inches apart. For windows, any furniture that a child could climb on should be moved away from the window. Also for windows a secure window latch is recommended.
Inspected the rear exterior corner of the home’s foundation wall where a modular block retaining wall system was installed. This system is relatively shallow, as the grade slopes up about 18-20 inches from the lowest point. No efflorescence or cracks in the brick masonry and/or mortar joints were found.
The gallery image “Moisture Intrusion Caused by a Downspout” demonstrates the potential moisture issues in foundation walls and crawlspaces caused by drainage downspouts which terminate too close to the exterior walls. Unless properly diverted, gutter drainage can seep into the topsoil alongside the exterior foundation walls and intrude through the wall into the crawlspace (either through capillary action in brick foundations or at the foundation’s isolation joints).
All foundations need to be inspected for settling issues. Indications of settling could be cracks around interior door frames, and the sticking of doors and windows. Most serious problems occur soon after the structure is built and usually caused by improper design of inadequate footers and foundation walls.
For houses built on cement slabs, there needs to be first a level of compacted gravel and sand. Next a 6 mil minimum layer of plastic put down with 6" overlapping sections. Then the cement can be brought in for the final step.
Foundation crack like the one pictured can be caused more by contraction or shrinkage than by so in instability. It is non cyclical and non linear in its entirety. For esthetics it may be filled with a polymer to avoid debris intrusion like water from vehicles parked on it.
Disadvantages of Solar Energy? Does Solar have a dark side? All forms of power production have their Achilles heel and Solar panel systems are no different. From the obvious initial high cost to the simple fact that Solar only works hall the day if that. Solar advancements have brought many of its individual parts to more reasonable costs. But there are still high mountains to climb when latitude does not offer you optimum angles of sunlight or hours of usefulness in the day.
In the photo you can see evidence of moisture intrusion. The crack also has some rust coming out of it. This leads me to believe there could be a corrosion issue within the wall. I recommend further evaluation by a licensed professional.
I read “how to get real estate agents to hand out your card”. Very interesting I am going to think of a presentation idea where I can also use my hands. It make sense anything more than just talking during a presentation makes the audience more attentive.
browsing the insect intrusion i am reminded when i was in the north east that most of the time when we have seen wood over cement or concrete many many times there were always traces of termites or ants, so often we would replace wooden floors that were damaged by this, the solution was to use pressure treated materials where direct contact on cement floors with bare wood was seen.