The most common cracks I find in my home state of Wisconsin are horizontal cracks at the frost line. The crack in the picture looks like a small 1/8" crack - Not necessarily a large issue. What is not seen that well in the picture is the caulk that filled that crack and numerous other cracks in this freshly painted basement. The caulking was done 2 months prior to this picture and the crack opened up indicating movement. This wall needed 9 horizontal beams installed and 3/4" out of plumb.
Just a note about this picture. It is the lower part of a 35yr old chimney that has no signs of defect from settling Seams to be in great shape.
After reading the information on ladders, I think I will rely more on my drone and less on my ladder. I can use binoculars and count the nails in plywood or fly the drone over head and see them on camera. I do not want to be one of those who end up at the hospital this year.
This is a picture of my basement. Joists above are 2x8 on 16 in center beam span is 13 ft 6 in a little over the 12 ft 6 as specified. Basement is dry no sign of dampness. No cracks in concrete foundation walls or footers that are visible concrete floor has cracks I know this floor was poured after footers and walls and these cracks are not a structural issue.
After reading the article on fire hazards in attetched gaurages. My gaurage used to not be attached to my house, so when I drywalld it I did not use type x 5/8 on the wall now touching my house. One day I will correct this problim. Until then I keep flammable liquids and other hazards out and store in other out buildings I have on the property. Also try to keep clean will go a long way to prevent fires.
This section I inspected my basement wall for any setting cracks or other foundation issues. I searched all visible areas of the concrete wall and found no cracks what so ever although the surface is painted. I also looked at the finished drywall and found no indication of movement. The only issue I found were from water leakage around the windows. This ishould from deteriorating of the window frame.
Keeping with the theme, I read the article on concrete as a building material for structural external walls. Concrete is a more expensive material to use than most other options. The upfront costs can be partially off set by energy and insurance savings. Keeping those savings in mind that should not be the sole reason for going concrete. Concrete is very strong and durable and also stands up to potential hazards such as fire. This is a great article with good information about concrete construction.
The attached picture represents vertical cracking in the concrete foundation. The separation is great enough to reflect vertical movement and excessive settlement and movement. Similar cracks in the foundation also reflect foundation movement. The house was built on a steep slope with a ravine located approximately 50 yards away with a 50 foot vertical drop. This house was rated as recommend further evaluation and repairs by a licensed contractor.
After study the article of Structural Issue , attach picture indicate a crack across the concrete.
cracking was observed at the concrete slab indicate foundation movement.Recommend contact a qualified contractor to evaluate and repair to prevent moisture and deterioration
This image shows a crack in the foundation. It is the full height of the wall and is larger at the top. The wall was added after the house was built to provide access to the basement from the garage. A door was place at the bottom of the stairway to prevent heat loss to the garage. The ground under the wall then froze and there was vertical movement that did not return to the original location after the ground thawed.
In this picture, you will see what appears to be significant settling of a foundation. You should also notice a down spout that appears to terminate next to the foundation. It is my belief that the lack of a down spout extension may have contributed to the settling. I would recommend a certified structural engineer inspect this issue in more depth.
This is the deck in our back yard. It is fairly new, the wood on the deck and rails is an engineered weather proof type. Everything looks sound and strong. Near the front it could use a larger spacing between the girder and the stamped concrete, as parts of it touch the ground. Which could cause some water absorption and deteriorate with time. On the side of the deck it is open and the girders meet the 12” spacing from the ground but looks to change the farther underneath towards the house. Cannot view the type of fasteners used on attaching ledger board to the house, so cannot confirm if it is correct size. Would suggest getting a contractor to check for proper construction.
Research essay from gallery
This illustration explains that most deck failures from detachment are of a lateral movement. Typical cause is deck detaching at ledgerboard against the home.
As we all know it is very important to learn to “read” cracks. Whether the cracks are foundation cracks, wall cracks or slab cracks they are all telling us a story of what is going on with the building. If these issues are caught quick enough, a home owner can usually correct the issue before causes significant damages.
This photo depicts improper girder beams, support posts and columns. This was a Victorian home built in 1904. Although it was a beautiful home with a lot of room and unique craftsmanship, it needed updated girder beams and support posts in the basement. It appeared like someone replaced the originals who were unaware of the code for beams and support posts. I was actually slightly concerned about being in the basement inspecting it for so long. It was strongly emphasized that once work can begin on the house, that would be the top priority.
Article Assignment From Library “Stairway Inspection”
Although stairways and escalators seem like they are no brainers to use, they both are inherently dangerous. A bad staircase, hand or guard rails are a pet peeve of mine. Thousands of people have injuries and some die from falls on stairs annually due to faulty staircases. I encourage the InterNachi home inspector to be very vigilant when it comes to all staircases, both indoor and outdoor, and never play down a bad set of stairs.
Attic Pull-Down Ladders:
I read up on attic pull-down ladders. I chose to read this one because I have personally been on a few pull-down ladders that have been improperly installed by homeowners.
Crawlspace:
I performed an inspection on a friend’s house and found that may of the piers holding up the girders were not plumb. The ground was wet, and sistered joist were noted. These issues will become major problems if there is an earthquake, as the supporting beams are abut to come down.
The steps and landing leading to the left side of the upper deck have settled. The support posts are not properly supported. The handrail on these steps is loosely mounted. These are potential safety concerns. Contact a qualified deck contractor further evaluation and repair.
Deck Child Safety:
I frequently find the spindles on deck railings do not meet current child safety standards. The spindles are either too far apart, or, run horizontally. The safety risk with spindles being too far apart is not that a child will fall through, but, may get stuck. Spindles should be spaced so a 4" sphere can not pass through at any area. Spindles/slats running horizontally present a climbing hazard which may allow a child to clime to a height that can cause injury in the event of a fall.
