The article, “Efflorescence for Inspectors” discusses what efflorescence is, how its formed, how to identify it and how to get rid of it. Efflorescence is a chalky powder that can be white tallow or brownish in color. It is made up of dissolved salts left over from the evaporation of water. Efflorescence can be identified by its color, by grinding it into a powder, or by dissolving it in water. Efflorescence can be cleaned by water, acid treatment, or by scrubbing it off.
With concrete block foundation walls, shrinkage is the most common type of crack seen. Shrinkage cracks look similar to settlement cracks. Shrinkage cracks usually occur within the middle third of the wall and most times can be repaired with epoxy.
In the article Formaldehyde by Nick Gromicko, I learned that formaldehyde is a colorless and odorless gas used in the making of building materials and everyday items found in homes. Formaldehyde can be found in pressed wood and items made of pressed wood, drapes, gas stoves and glue. Formaldehyde is considered to be a health hazard.
This is a picture of an attic from a new addition to the house that was built over the old roof. The access is in the bedroom closet but because of tight space and a large piece of foam insulation on the left was unable to get in for further evaluation. The addition was built over part of an existing roof and the old shingles were left on. There is a large split in the rafter on the top of the picture and would RR it. There is a wood beam spanning the addition and can be seen on the top right of the picture that is the ridge of the new roof.
I read an article about foundation inspection. As a homeowner it’s recommended to visually inspect your foundations annually. For concrete we are looking for cracks, efflorescence, any signs of moisture intrusion. Take pictures of the cracks with a measuring tape if they are greater than 1/4" for further evaluation by a qualified expert. If there is a crawlspace look for proper ventilation and possible pest intrusion at those openings. Look for any separations of piers from beams and rotten wood in contact with the concrete.
This is a picture of the foundation at my home. The home was built in 1986 and there is not a single crack in the foundation. I do need to replace the missing gutter extension, even though the ground has plenty of slope away from the house. Also checked crawl space and there is no moisture intrusion that can be seen.
I chose an article on Basic Waterproofing for Basements. Most homes in Colorado have basements or very large crawl spaces. This is a great article with information that can be passed on to our clients.The best advice is to find and repair the cause of the water intrusion before attempting the repair.
Evidence of water entry in the crawl space as noted by the water stains on the walls and moisture on the soil. This is often caused by poor drainage outside or from ground water seeping into the crawl space. Recommend having a wet space contractor evaluate and make water tight.
Usually attic stairs are installed by the homeowner instead of a qualified professional. A few main defects to look out for that is indicative of non-professional installation are incorrect fasteners, lack of insulation, and cut bottom cord of structural trusses.
this is moisture from a leaking shower pan through the sub floor and floor joists. I live in a booming real estate area and flips are very common. When i see treated lumber under renovated kitchen and bathrooms i am usually excited and kind of surprised.
When inspecting a house with roof framing that is conventionally framed, it is very important to ensure that no load bearing walls are removed, and the rafters/collar ties are still intact. I did a house today that had had several rafters and collar ties cut or removed to make room for an air handler.
Pictured is a concrete block wall. It has no signs of cracking or damage. It is the rear exterior load bearing wall. The precast lintels and sills are in good condition. The mortar joints are in good condition. Some small holes and gaps should be filled to prevent water and pest intrusion. It is structurally sound.
Concrete for Exterior and Structural Walls - While more expensive than wood framing, concrete does offer advantages. Home insurance is usually cheaper. Heating and cooling costs are usually cheaper and initial HVAC equipment costs less due need for smaller size. Additional material is not needed for windows and doors as is for wood framing. Concrete offers better wind protection. It also provides better fire protection. It provides better and longer durability and better noise reduction.
When you do an inspection of a home and see business cards of real estate agents sitting on the kitchen counter tops that is literally money sitting on the table. Take a picture of the cards and send them your information because they are working for clients potentially buying that home but also who are most likely selling a home as well.
My article was about wood foundations. Foundations can be made of pressure treated wood, a process developed in the 1960’s. altho it performs the same task as a masonry foundation it does not last as long. Wood foundations do have the benefit of being easy to finish basement walls and run utilities.
My photo is of two precast concrete panels. They have a joint between the two panels that are filled with a caulking. In the photo, you can see the paint peeling off the joint where it did not adhere to the calking. The two panels are in good condition other than small surface scuffs.
I have inspected the foundation walls and the concrete floor slab in this home. The exterior had proper grading of soil to provide ample water flow away from the structure and the homeowner indicated that a drainage system had been installed while the home was constructed.
The image entitled, “Damage to brick wall caused by moisture.” shows the way that moisture can enter a brick wall through it’s capillary action from the damp soil that surrounds it and that it is contact with. This capillary action of brick can cause damage to the bricks including the spalling of the bricks outer surface, as the water evaporates out of the brick effloresce and other damage stated before as spalling can occur.
Water seepage found in new construction crawl space. Tar is rolled onto foundation, is thin, and is not an impervious water barrier. Downspouts empty at foundation. Grading is sloped negatively toward foundation. Make grading slope positively away from foundation, extend downspouts 8 to 10 feet from house. If seepage continues, a foundation waterproofing company should repair.
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