Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Cracking in masonry can be caused by numerous different events. These include movement, drying shrinkage, expansion, improper support, and other reasons. The longer a crack has been present, the less likely it is to be a major structural concern at the present time.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Settlement occurs because a structure is built upon the soil. Proper compaction and consolidation of the soil are needed to ensure that it is stable enough to be built upon. However, moisture and changes in load can cause settlement to occur, which often causes cracks and other damages to the structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When pouring new concrete slabs, you will notice over time there will normally be tensile cracks that will appear. These cracks are typical and usually not a problem. The cracks form due to the water mixture in the concrete, temperature and drying time. In some applications a control joint is cut in the concrete to help reduce the chance of cracks. As said the cracking is determined by the above factors. For a more detailed explanation on this you can read the article in InterNach’s library.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the above picture we have an indication of drastic settlement of the footing and foundation. also the steel supports that had been added to help reduce the settlement issues have failed. It is recommended that this issue be inspected by a structural engineer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Abrasive Blasting for Mold Remediation was the article that I chose to read.Mold is a common problem for all home owners. With more efficient and tight homes, any moisture issues can create a perfect environment for mold to grow. mold only requires the basics to prosper: moisture, oxygen, a food source, and a surface to grow on. any home or structure will provide or can provide this. that is why it is important to limit moisture. How ever I was unaware that there were methods out there using more less a sandblasting technique that is similar to sandblasting rust. Ultimately mold Remediation is expensive and time consuming. it is important to try to prevent a mold issue before it becomes a issue.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image depicts a crack in an interior wall. The crack is adjacent to a corner of a door opening and tapers. The inside edges of the crack are discolored and not of recent origin. The crack was likely the result of differential settlement.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I am writing about the image located at https://www.nachi.org/gallery/?level=picture&id=1761. The image depicts a horizontal crack in a stem foundation wall. The crack appears to be caused by horizontal earth pressure due to soil movement and large rock backfill. This type of crack is considered structural damage to the foundation wall.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture I have is of a brick wall. The wall appears to be farely new, however there is a very long diagonal crack going through the wall along the mortar. It appears to be a settlement crack. I would advise the homeowner to have it inspected by a structural engineer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I read covers structural design for foundations. It presents the fundamental principles and design of a foundation to a home inspector. Foundations are typically made of concrete. There are many different designs of foundations, all depending on the type of soil and geology of the location.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image is a pic of the interior of a flat Roof. I’m my inspection I noticed on this flat Roof that it is properly sitting on wall stud and also properly strap down with joist straps which are protection against high winds. Did find a defect on the sheathing which seems to be brownish possible water intrusion. Recommend a licensed roof specialist to further investigate.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
As you can see this image is of a brick wall that has a z type pattern going through the bricks. This type of cracking is due to the foundation settlement. This can be repaired by a professional structural engineer.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Water infiltration as pictured are caused by a failure to waterproof properly during construction. Damp or wet basement air spreads mold and radon through the house. Damp basement air spreads mold and radon through the house. Musty, mold and mildew odors are a sign of existing problems.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This article addressed inspecting older buildings. Some issues that an inspector should be ready to point out, are as follows. Lead paint, Asbestos, underground oil tanks, obsolete electrical components, wells, cess pools, radon and over all lack of energy efficiency.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When it comes to decks there are more than 2 million decks built and replaced each year in North America. A deck failure could lead to injury, including rail failure, or total deck collapse. most decks collapse during the summer time and or when there is a heavy snow load. To prevent a collapse form occurring the deck should be built by a professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Veneer brick wall shows extreme signs of spalling and complete failure on much of the wall. Spalling of the structural wall is present, and large sections of the wall are now fully exposed. No obvious bowing or sweeping present in any of the walls.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The title of the article I chose is: Inspecting Visible Masonry. I learned that inadequate flashing can contribute to moisture penetration. I also learned that efflorescence is a sign of excess moisture. Efflorescence is white, staining deposit which is actually salt left from evaporated moisture.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
When inspecting a foundation or slab,Knowing the type of cracks is important when determining if there is structural damage or not. Small spider type horizontal cracks along the surface could be just a sign of settling or expansion or contraction of the concrete.
Research & Writing Assignment:
To do a proper slab inspection, knowing what to look for is important.All cracks do not indicate structural damage. The corners are critical and a lot of structural problems first show up in the corners of a buildings.Walls will show sighs of problems in the foundation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Energy efficient mortgages are available to home owners or home buyers. These loans help the person install items in the home to lower their energy costs. The audit that is done has to be done by a licensed auditor. The auditor takes everything into account when completing the report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the picture above a sweeping crack is shown through concrete. This is especially important to note during an inspection as this can widen and cause major structural issues. Identifying the difference between a small shrinking crack and a sweeping crack is important.
