This is an image of a modular home being leveled and set on compacted sand and gravel. The pier blocks are set on top of a one piece pier base, the pier blocks are set plumb, level and square, with pressure treated lumber between the concrete pier blocks and corrosive coated “I-Beams” of the modular home. Seismic and wind straps are attached from the “I-Beam” to auger anchors. Owners of manufactured homes should contact their local building department to find out how many tie downs are necessary for such homes in their area. Regulations may vary considerably by jurisdiction and generally depend on the size of the home and wind risk.
Viewed this basement block foundation wall on a recent home inspection. The block wall was showing sings of bowing inward with moisture present. The viewed horizontal crack did appear to have had an attempted to be repaired, sealed. How every the block wall was still showing signs of moisture penetration. Other areas on the same basement block wall was showing movement, shifting. I recommend further evaluation by a licensed structural engineer.
Horizontal cracks in bulging walls can be a very serious issue and costly to have repaired by the appropriate, qualified contractor. The reason for viewed bulging walls with horizontal cracks can be from many issues, and or reason. Some of the more common reason would be from original back fill damage, or at a later date, grading issues that has allowed moisture to effect the foundations over time since a home was first constructed. When I view basement block bulging walls with a horizontal crack, I always recommend further evaluation by a licensed structural engineer.
Here the foundation has shifted causing a major structural crack in the masonry. This can be caused by the house being built on clay causing one side to settle or slide down the hill. Also since the house is built on a slope the house may have a drainage problem.
Wind is a major factor in the design of all buildings and codes. Wind is the air moving from a high pressure zone to a low pressure zone, the more difference in the pressure the higher the wind speed will be.
Masonry walls sometimes show signs of bulging as they age. A wall itself may bulge, or the bulge may only be in the outer wythe. Bulging often takes place so slowly that the masonry doesnt crack and, therefore, it may go unnoticed over a long period of time. The bulging of the whole wall is usually due to thermal or moisture expansion of the walls outer surface, or due to contraction of the inner wythe. This expansion is not completely reversible because, once the wall and its associated structural components are pushed out of place, they can rarely be completely pulled back to their original positions.
The single most significant attribute in favor of concrete construction is its structural safety. Implicit in the average lower insurance cost for ICF homes is the understanding that ICF homes better withstand natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. ICF homes typically “recover” from hurricanes far quicker than wood-frame homes, as the exterior walls may withstand a hurricane and only a new roof will be required following such an event. In comparison, wood-frame houses in the same areas are usually devastated by hurricanes, meaning
longer re habitation times for residents and lengthier processing times for insurance claims.
These are cracks that typically happen when the mortar bond is broken. They will typically expand and contract with the seasons and are not considered structural defects. However they should be evaluated by a masonry professional to determine if any remedy is required.
There are a wide variety of foundation and masonry cracks. Each having its own unique pattern and characteristics. All of these patterns and characteristics give us as home inspectors clues as to what might be the underlying cause of these cracks.
The picture shows a retaining wall composed by individuals blocks which have been overturned by the action of the roots of a tree. This is a design issue. It is very important to make a good selection when designing the landscaping of our houses.
wall foundation presents accumulation of leaves and soil with a high grade of humidity eroding the paint and presenting signs of erosion.
Wall is structurally sound. Presence of Cracks are less than 1/8" and most likely as product of settlement.
Elasto-plastic sealant recommended to avoid intrusion of water and moist.
Modular Vs Manufactured Homes.
While the term it is usually miss used interchanged the difference between them is substantial.
Modular homes are built in modules that are then delivered to the sire. They are sturdy, even have a better quality as on site built homes. They have to adhere to all codes and restrictions as a on site built home.
Manufactured homes also are known as trailers or mobile homes are more flexible and easy to move. That same flexibility in moving a house for relocation purposes made them less valuable are only one story high and even if they are inspected they do not have to be structurally approved by an inspector.
It is important to understand the differences between these home types in order to reduce the influence of stigmas, misrepresentation and ignorance.
I have chosen to take a image of a newly poured footing for a residential structure. In the image you can see that the newly poured footing has the rebar set into place and the rebar appears to be set appropriately.
Poured concrete wall from late 1930s, you can see the horizontal lines from the boars they used to create the forms. In really solid shape aside from some effervescence here and there, like this corner. Most likely due to poor drainage from the downspout outside at that corner.
The image that I chose to inspect was that of a dryer duct. In the image you can see that the duct was installed properly in that there were no screws penetrating into it nor was any of the flexible duct concealed behind any walls.
You can insulate foundation walls either from he exterior or the interior. Special considerations need to be taken for moisture, so the same batt insulation used in the rest of the house is not recommended to be installed against the cement. If the bottom of the first floor is already insulated it may not make sense to insulate the foundation.
The photo you see is a unfinished basement concrete wall section. This section shows no signs structural damage or of cracking, efflorescence, or water intrusion. This is a representative photo of the entire basement that was inspected. I found no defects at the time of inspection.
Moisture intrusion leads to structural deterioration. It can come into a structure in lots of ways, some ways are by rain falling on a roof that may have leaks, water vapor caused by temperature changes, or foundations issues like cracks in the foundation or poor damp-proofing.
To reduce heating costs in slab-on-grade construction, insulation is very important. Exterior foam insulation, is a good choice. Insulation should extend from the top of the slab to the top of the footing. Foam insulation inside the footing is also recomended.
Sump pump is non-operational and causing a dangerous and potentially lethal hazard needing to be addressed immediately before inspection can resume.
Over one foot deep standing water observed in lower crawlspace area surrounding the sump pump, directly below the furnace and immediately upon entering the crawlspace. Electrical wires are visible underwater. A re-inspection is advised after the problem is remedied. Access door was unlocked and should be secured shut with danger signs posted. Long term problems also exist in addition to this immediate hazard that may impact piers and foundation negatively which can extend to the overall structural lack of integrity of the building.
