Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a basement wall with vertical cracks in the wall. I advised my client that I would recommend getting a structural engineer to look at the cracks to make sure that they were not a structural issue.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Read the article on residential foundation insulation. Very informative. In my area of the country, Insulated concrete forms are used to pour concrete basement walls. the double use of insulation and the form it great. Much easier and more energy efficient than having to put up and take down concrete forms.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During the inspection of this window, I observed separation of the brick veneer from the window and wall framing. This is indicative of a foundation settlement issue. Recommend further evaluation and correction by a qualified structural engineer or licensed contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article titled “Cement Substitutes.”
I learned that these substitutes are materials that are substituted for regular concrete to extend longevity and strength.
I learned that inspectors are more likely to encounter these materials in heavy, or commercial construction, than they are in residential inspection.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The picture I studied showed a foundation wall with a horizontal crack. There appears to be significant bowing that could adversely affect the structure. The image also shows a large stone in the back-fill mix which likely caused this issue. There also appears to be a foundation drain installed. If this drain is found to be operational this would give more reason to believe that the crack was caused by improper back-filling as the hydraulic pressure would be relieved through the drain.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The masonry block walls were coated in a drylock type paint, which had numerous areas that were chipping off with
efflorescence underneath, indicating water being held against it. While it impossible to evaluate the wall fully because of
the finish, there were numerous settlement cracks visible. When a level was held against the upper portion of the
horizontal cracks, it was noted to be shifted forward up to a half inch in some areas. This is significant, and a structural engineer should fully evaluate the entire foundation wall structure for repairs. Additionally these defects appear to be caused by significant amounts of water pressure held against the foundation. Lot grading and drainage should be evaluated.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is an image of a concrete block crawlspace foundation. It is constructed using Portland cement. The foundation wall is sealed with tar and the surrounding dirt is below the tar line. The foundation is supported by concrete footings that are approximately 24 inches below the frost line. This is a vented crawlspace and there is vapor barrier on the dirt floor under the living area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This is an essay on mortar and mortar joints. prior to the invention of Portland cement mortar was a mixture of aggregate, sand and lime. The older mortar was low strength, but more flexible than modern mortar. It also had the ability to self heal. Water penetration was the main enemy of this type of mortar. If repairs are needed modern mortar should not be used, but instead a mortar with a similar chemical makeup. When it is repaired(repointed) the joints should be concave, V-joint, or a weather joint.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Sometimes a “solution” creates new problems. This basement had a sump pump added but there were many new problems. They drained the laundry sink into the sump pit (see second pipe) that comes from a laundry sink. The pit was also unlined so water went into the soil easily. The steel lid on the sump was severely corroded possibly due to laundry chemicals, and the pump stopped working. This also sent water (and probably chemicals) under the foundation a bigger set of problems. They should have had an under sink pump dedicated to the sink only and the sump pump should have been dedicated only to leaks, floods or soil water percolating up. People dumping things in the sink thought they were going to sewer yet they were putting chemicals under the floor slab… very illegal too.
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Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Small brick cracks could indicate foundation problems or could be the brick naturally settling due to it being prone to expanding. Stair-step cracks generally mean that your house foundation is settling and sinking into the ground. Vertical fractures such as these are often visible in the grout between bricks. Inspector is calling for a foundation specialist to investigate the cracked masonry.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the section on foundations and focused on downspout extensions. this is a very common thing I see at inspections. The downspout extension also called a leader is very important. It should direct water away from the house such that the water does not flow back toward the foundation. Ideally the soil is also graded away from the house. If the soil slopes towards the house then a leader alone can not solve the issues. I saw one house where all sides sloped towards the house like a bowl and leaders would not help. Nachi drawing recommends typical leader go 4-6 feet away from house. they do sell leaders that can be lifted to cut lawns. Also some leaders do go into PVC drain systems underground. Often the connection from downspout to underground PVC is misalign43ed letting water leak right at the foundation,. I recommend property owners evaluate during a heavy rain and make sure water is going into the PVC drains and they do not back up.
Research & Writing Assignment:
An inspector would need to be aware of cracks in masonry and we should call for a contractor to go out and inspect and it appears to be a hazard to the homeowner or buyer. It is best to know if the brick is just settling or if there is a foundation problem.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
this picture shows a beam pocket in a CMU (Concrete masonry unit, or “Cinder Block” foundation wall. The pocket has adequate clearance on the sides of the beam, the floor joists are suspended from the beam with joist hangers, so lateral movement of the beam is not a concern.There are indications that the cells below the beam seat were grouted, a pressure treated sill plate is present, and the beam is shimmed to the correct height. bearing surface is adequate, there is a minor crack in the back wall of the pocket, but no signs of moisture intrusion in this area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I took a picture of a foundation bed, a footing, and a foundation wall of a new home being built. I watched the soil and rock of the foundation bed being compacted using a compactor, the footing being poured and leveled, and the foundation wall being built.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I looked at the images of foundation walls. Although in my area of the United States there are not many basements, the general construction is similar. With a basement though, much attention must be paid to moisture control and mitigation.
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Hi, I’m starting this course today.
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Interesting class. Learned much about concrete chemistry and deepened my knowledge of foundation walls and mobile home piers.
Hi, Today is Day one of Foundation walls and Piers Course! Hello from Ohio 
Good Morning!
Here we go