Research & Writing Assignment:
When doing home inspections, it is important to make sure that all components to a system are properly installed and in place to help ensure a stable living environment. All components have specific jobs or duties and work together as a whole.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I learned some important facts and information about anti-scald valves and was reminded of how serious and dangerous it can be without this simple installation. Anti-scald valves mix cold water with the hot water so that the water leaving the hot water side of fixture doesnt scald a person. Unwanted temperature fluctuations are a safety hazard in a few ways. Children with thinner skin could be serious burned. Also thermal shock, with hot or cold could cause a person to fall. Scalding accounts for 20% of all burns and more than 2,000 american children are scalded each year. Heart attacks are also possible especially among elderly. At 160F scalding can take place in as little as 0.5 seconds. Ive learned that installing simple and inexpensive anti-scald valves can prevent great harm with occupants and create a better experience for homeowners.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Above is a picture of a slab on grade concrete flooring in an attached garage. If you look closely you can see there is a horizontal crack approximately 1/8 inch thick. These cracks are not uncommon in this type of foundation and generally are not a structural problem.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article inspecting brick veneers in residential construction. I learned several things from this article, one that bricks should not be painted unless a specific type of paint is used, so that they can release moisture appropriately. Also that there should be one inch gap between brick and wall sheathing.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Identified a settlement condition on the exterior of the structure. From the photo you can see the separation in the mortar area of the homes brick exterior and is an indicator that the building is exhibiting serious settling that need further review by a qualified structural engineer.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows a modified truss. The truss has been cut to install a vent for a gas fired furnace. There is no support added to the truss, indicating that the modification was not authorized by a structural engineer. This is in a fourplex. The apartment adjoining this one had the same modification. They did install a 2x4 brace in that unit which did not appear to be sufficient enough.
Research & Writing Assignment:
What are Adjustable Steel Columns and why they sometimes fail
Adjustable steel columns are design to provide structural support and include an attached threaded mechanism is used to adjust the height of the post. They are typically used in basement areas. The leading cause of failures associated with these types of columns are the are undersized to the load they are supporting. Other reasons for failure are ; the post is not straight, the column is not mechanically connected to the floor, the column is not connected to the beam, if more than 3 inches of the screw thread are exposed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I viewed a photo of an incorrect girder post connection. The photo showed a post with a girder on either side. The girder was installed with only one carriage bolt. In this scenario you are risking shearing the bolt. The girder should be on top of the post with the correct girder bracket.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Cracks can be evidence of a serious structural issue, but not always. For example:
Hairline cracks in the mortar between concrete blocks normally are not worth cause for concern.
Cracks at an L-shape section are probably shrinkage cracks, especially if they taper down to a hairline.
Stair-step cracks in masonry joints are a concern, especially if the wall is bulging or the crack is wider than inch.
Horizontal cracks are most serious. It may be that water-saturated soil froze and expanded, pushing in and breaking the foundation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Truss uplift happens during cold weather. Home inspectors sometimes mistake it for settlement. However, settlement can move in all directions, hence “uplift”. A level can be useful in trying to identify the issue. Although unsightly, it is not a structural problem.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The photo attached shows a good example of what sinking concrete patio slab looks like. The gap between the slab and the siding is caused by the movement of that slab. Because this is a new construction, further movement and eventual cracking of this slab could be expected.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article “Inspecting Visible Masonry” discusses many of the environmental reasons for cracks in masonry, how to identify each type, and signs that a masonry issue is beginning. Because structural defects could be catastrophic to a home, understanding and being able to spot these defects is imperative for a home inspector. Knowing the neighborhood, or area specific issues such as salt water damage near the shore, or earthquake damage if living in an earthquake prone area will also greatly improve an inspector’s abilities to write a thorough home inspection report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Observed cracks around windows indicating settlement. This one image alone is not enough to conclude there is or is not a foundation problem. Crack could be caused by structural movement or caused by contraction and expansion of the framing. Another possibility could be a shrinking headed.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read “Structural Connection Design for the Home Inspector”. The article was mainly about the transferring of load to other framing members or systems, and the fasteners used to do so. Connections are made using many different types of both nails and bolts. Special hardware, like joist hangers are also used and require specific installation/nailing instructions. Caulks and adhesives are used as secondary fastening solutions. Many tests have been performed on different types of fasteners to determine the pullout strength and best location for fasteners to be installed. These structural connections are very important to longevity, strength, and load bearing capacity of the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Picture of floor beneath master shower. Not that the floor joists appear to be in good condition and level. All vertical wall 2x4s are level and in place properly. Overall structure is in good working condition and is safe for subfloor install.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspecting a basement with horizontal cracks bowing inward towards the interior of the home. Recommend replace or repair of north wall on the front of the house. This crack 1/2 wide in the center and has visible moisture in the crack. Replace or repair by an authorized structural engineer contractor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Beam Separation: The main beam in the building has separated causing the floors to become uneven and main floor doors not to align and close properly. Significant structural movement has occurred as the result of undetermined forces acting on the house structure.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture should be kept away from the foundation. Identifying if the grade is pitched away from the building should be your first observation. Identify where gutter leaders are depositing water. Installing gutter leader extensions 3’to 5’ away from he foundation can have positive results. Overall observing the grade versus the foundation is important to understanding why water intrusion exists in a the basement or crawlspace.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Settlement cracks in foundation s something a inspector should look for. If an inspector finds a settlement crack in the foundation Take a picture and put into a report. Some inspectors may not know if it a settlement crack or a structure crack. If the crack is wider than a quarter of inch than is considered a structure crack an d should have an engineer inspect for further damage. IF the crack is smaller. the inspector should note in report to continue to monitor. A recommendation for a settlement crack is using a silicone base and fill.
Research & Writing Assignment:
If a inspector notice a crack in interior wall one should check for a settlement or shrinkage . Vertical or horizontal cracks are known for shrinkage. If the crack is at an angle generally signify structural or settlement cracks and could be serious.
