The Wall is over 40 years old seems to be in good condition except for this area of surface damage.
The homeowner that called me … swears that its due to the Pool Equipment on the other side of the wall. ( the neighbors side ). Any info would help …
First pic is the guy who called me with the surface damage.
2nd pic is on the other side of the wall …(neighbors yard with pool equipment )
It could be deterioration from chlorine, but I dont know how that would happen on the other side of the wall, and not on the same side as the equipment…
Do they have a male dog? Their pee destroys everything else.
I think the shades of white towards the bottom is efflorescence (likely most of it was cleaned off). From the way it appears to drip down (out) from the mortar, particularly from the bottom of the third row of blocks, leads me to believe that the wall is (or was) getting saturated with water on a regular basis. The accumulated salts eventually caused pitting due to hydrostatic pressure. If the source was the neighbor, I suspect that side of the wall would look worse, not better.
I do not feel it is the pool equipment. Her wall looks relatively fine.
It appears that the face of the CMU is spalling.
What direction does the back wall face?
Is there exposure to moisture from sprinkler irrigation causing the surface of the CMU wall to remain wet?
Thanks for info.
Thank you Mr. Young … I’m thinking the same.
Don’t thank me yet. Jeff Spencer’s theory can attribute to damaged CMU, although I would look for staining as well as etching.
Prevailing winds in that location? Should be a go to for home inspectors considering moisture intrusion assessments.
Thanks … Based upon the responses … I’m going to decline to go the property. Beyond me as a Home inspector …
David. May I ask. Why would you base a job on members replies?
One would have to physically attend and assess posable CMU wall concerns based upon what you discover at the job site. I would be inquisitive as well, just love learning and getting paid to do so.
Just from the photos you provided the 2 CMU wall facades do not appear the same what so ever.
Your job would entail gathering evidence, total wall length, height, width, examine mortar and CMU noting similarities and differences of the 2 walls and what is in proximity too the walls.
You could easily walk away from the job afterwards if you find the cause for degradtion is not within your scope of expertise. Just be streight with everyone before hand.
We all have to start somewhere.
Good luck.
My 2 cents.
Similar deterioration here. How far apart are these homes? Perhaps the neighbor backwashes against the opposing wall. Years of exposure to these chemicals could easily cause damage.
that makes sense … I’m going to decline the job. I think he needs a licensed Block wall Contractor.
Yes … based upon the replies, I’m going to decline the inspection. I think the guy needs a licensed Block wall contractor.
I’m liking that Backwash video !!!
I’m going to decline the inspection. I think the guy needs a licensed Block wall contractor.
Probably not. Just a conversation with the neighbor. If the neighbor does not cooperate, then a protective coating, a shield to protect against spray, or a lawyer will help.
No dog urine … but I understand. I seen urine corrode AC condenser fins.
most definitely i will give this guy that advice from the phone !
I concur, Brian.
Good points.
A Block wall contractor will sell a repair.
The wall is over 40 years old. Depending on the quality of materials used, maintenance and the conditions it’s exposed to, a repair might be just the right fix for the free standing CMU block fence wall.
That is why inspectors inspect this type of job. To help the party involved.
Does Commiefornia actually license block wall contractors??
You didn’t say, but is this a focused inspection of this damage alone? If so, and you don’t feel you can help the client, I’d do the same. If it’s an inspection of the whole house and property, I’d take the inspection but refer this particular issue to an expert who could identify the cause of block damage issue. Inspectors, you and I, are not experts in all issues that present themself at a home.
