The structural portion of a home inspection is the single most important part. Reporting structural observation is part of a home inspector’s job. Any cracks that are 1/4 inch wide or wider maybe an indication of serious problems. Cracks over windows can be the result of expansion and contraction of wooden framing components, and are not generally considered structural problems.
There are two common styles of wood framing: balloon and platform. Balloon framing consists of closely spaced, light vertical structural members that extend from the foundation sill to the roof plates. Platform framing is the most common style. Vertical members extend from the floor to the ceiling of each story.
Thermal imaging is a great tool to use when inspecting the components of a house. It will help find electrical concerns quickly and safely. Some electrical issues infrared cameras help identify are loose connections, arcing, overloaded circuits and faulty equipment.
Thermal imaging is a great tool to use when inspecting the components of a house. It will help find electrical concerns quickly and safely. Some electrical issues infrared cameras help identify are loose connections, arcing, overloaded circuits and faulty equipment.
There are many potential hazards every inspector should keep in mind whenever inspecting a crawlspace. Different types of molds and funguses act as allergens or toxins, which can cause multiple varieties of allergic reactions or more serious illnesses for someone who comes in contact with them. They can also create wood rot problems that may result in an expensive repair. Finding pests in a crawlspace can be a sign that pesticides are used, which can also be very toxic for inspectors. Dangerous pests such as poisonous insects, snakes or rodents can also bring physical harm.
Rodents in particular, especially when combined with a lack of UV rays, come with the risk of carrying hantavirus, which could result in the contraction of Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome. Similarly, long term exposure to disturbed asbestos insulation can potentially cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer that targets your chest and lungs.
Improper wiring in the crawlspace can lead to an inspector suffering an electric shock. Standing water or sewage can also increase this risk of shock, as well as create bacterial growth and potential water damage. Finally, structural damage or collapse of the home or foundation itself can cause unsafe conditions for the unwary inspector. Due to the many hazards of inspecting crawlspaces, the inspector should always let someone know what they are doing before entering one.
This picture shows the side of a window sill, and several types of cracking along and beneath it. The vertical cracking underneath is very thin and while it could be a sign of minor settlement or shrinkage, it is not likely the sign of major structural damage. The cracking along and under the window sill shows signs of normal weathering from UV rays and water, but could be a sign of moisture intrusion causing minor damage. This weathering of the exterior window sill is not uncommon in houses of this age.
The attached picture is of a crack in the brick mortar due to normal structural movement and/or settlement. The homeowner apparently has attempted to repair it by sealing it. It would be a good idea to continue to monitor this crack to ensure its not currently active.
Backflow is a potential problem in a water system because it can spread contaminated water back through a distribution system. Back-pressure is the reverse from normal flow direction within a piping system as the result of the downstream pressure being higher than the supply pressure. Back-siphonage is the reverse from normal flow direction within a piping system that is caused by negative pressure in the supply piping.
I did realise that lumber may have been graded by a machine.
Machchine evulated lumber is a more consistent way to evuliate lumber. This is important when a structure relies on the intergrtery of each piece of material to function correctly
This is a photo of a vertical crack in a pored foundation wall. The crack is very small. The edges are still sharp,this may indicate there was recent movement. I don’t beleive this will effect the integrity of the foundation. I would advise cexpands.in a few months to see if there is more movement.
Photo is of concrete at veranda. Home is slab on grade with appropriate fall for good drainage. Small shrinkage cracks observed at corner with no apparent settling. No observed cracking of foundation. Garage floor has no observed cracking. Concrete driveway shows minor hair line cracking.
Aging in place, with the 60+ population expected to be 70 million by 2020 and complaints of substandard nursing home care more senior citizens will be trying to live independently as long as possible in there homes. Inspectors recommendations can be very helpful to seniors for added comfort, safety and longevity in there golden years.
View of and exterior brick crack on north end of home. Many cracks were seen on exterior of home indicating possible foundation settlement. Due to homes age and lack of downspout extensions, improper soil grading, and crawlspace /foundation soil moisture, this condition is more than possible. Upon further inspection in crawlspace, this area of footer appeared to be cracked where footer stepped down to another level. I recommended a foundation specialist evaluate entire structure for repairs as needed.
The foundation type for this house is slab-on-grade. This is a picture of the front porch showing some signs of movement. This kind of cracking is not uncommon, especially for flatwork, where the concrete thickness is less than the actual foundation. It was observed that there are several down spout terminations that go into the ground and also downspouts that did not appear to be directing water away from the foundation. These would be items to keep an eye on and correct as needed to keep moisture away from the foundation to maintain stable soil conditions.
Infrared technology has been used for years to observe thermal variations in all kinds of applications. for home inspections, an infrared camera can be a very helpful tool in not only what can be seen, but especially in what cannot be seen with the naked eye. This technology can help an inspector quickly determine water and air temperatures for HVAC and plumbing assessments. It can also assist in looking behind walls to check for thermal inconsistencies that could point to leaks or a lack of insulation.
Roof Penetrations
Plumbing vent boot improperly installed. Nailed through roofing material and caulked. Caulk will fail, nails rust, and a potential slow leak can occur which can promote rot and decay with in the roof structure. Evaluation correction by a licensed contractor.
Double Paned Windows
In newer homes built after 2000, approximately, double paned windows installed have generally been the standard. These windows are double paned with air or argon gas sandwiched in the middle to give the window a higher R value to make them more energy efficient.
Due to the process of thermal pumping, expansion and contracting due to heat, the seals on these windows can deteriorate rendering them inefficient, and they will need replacement.
A relatively new process is offered called defogging that claims to able to fix broken seals. A small hole is drilled In window pane. A cleaning solution is inserted, and all moisture and solution is sucked out. Finally a small device is inserted to release moisture builds up. This process is new and the jury is still out as weather its a suitable process for a double paned window with broken seals.
Double Paned Windows
In newer homes built after 2000, approximately, double paned windows installed have generally been the standard. These windows are double paned with air or argon gas sandwiched in the middle to give the window a higher R value to make them more energy efficient.
Due to the process of thermal pumping, expansion and contracting due to heat, the seals on these windows can deteriorate rendering them inefficient, and they will need replacement.
A relatively new process is offered called defogging that claims to able to fix broken seals. A small hole is drilled In window pane. A cleaning solution is inserted, and all moisture and solution is sucked out. Finally a small device is inserted to release moisture builds up. This process is new and the jury is still out as weather its a suitable process for a double paned window with broken seals.
Roof Penetrations
Plumbing vent boot improperly installed. Nailed through roofing material and caulked. Caulk will fail, nails rust, and a potential slow leak can occur which can promote rot and decay with in the roof structure. Evaluation correction by a licensed contractor.
Home was built in the 1950s. Garage has 2 major open cracks about 3ft apart running almost the entire length of the garage parallel to the wall seperating the dwelling from the garage. These cracks were probably caused from heaving of the slab over the years. You can see exposed rebar and the homeowner has tried to make repairs by refilling the cracks with concrete.
