Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Recently while inspecting an attic area I found several Roof Trusses with dislodged web members. I photographed and reported on these deficient trusses with the requirement that the manufacturer of the Trusses send someone from their company to certify a corrective action to be taken. Their corrective action was executed with their follow-up approval submitted to the buyer of the property.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Concrete Slab Curl Picture Section The picture titled Slab Surface Cooler & Drier Than Base is good graphic that describes two 1 Year Follow-Up Inspections I recently did. I am a Home Inspector in the El Paso Texas Metropolitan area that includes large sections of the Rio Grande River valley. Many areas within the Rio Grande River valley have a high Clay Content soil. The two above mentioned inspections were of two different houses built within the Rio Grande River valley having a high Clay Content soil. BOTH houses (on same street) are exhibiting evidence of Slab Curling exactly as shown in the picture titled Slab Surface Cooler & Drier Than Base. I photographed and reported the Curling evidence within these houses and recommended that specialist knowledgeable in the Root Cause of these deficiencies be engaged.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Observed a header being installed on a load bearing wall. The header was created w 3 2x6’s face nailed and glued together. After completion two jack studs were placed on each end of the header before being encased with drywall. Common practice to make older homes become more open concept.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Adjustable steel columns are most commonly located in basements. These columns are used to support the structure of the home. Adjustable steel columns should be no less than three inches in circumference and should be painted in a rust inhibative paint.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I observed adverse soil conditions creating a negative grade. This is causing the left side of the house to slope 3-4 inches. I observed structural cracks in the foundation, drywall and the roof. It is recommended that this be evaluated by a certified licensed structural engineer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In reviewing the article “Soils and Settlement”. It is apparent that to provide for a stable foundation and structure, it is imperative that sufficient soil compaction and water consolidation be performed to withstand the structural load of the structure being built.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
As you can see from this picture of a window with stucco siding. Below the middle of the window is a crack almost 2 feet long. This could be due to possible settling or more likely water may be leaking behind the stucco from the window above it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Stucco Inspector After looking over the condition of the stucco on the rest of the house, everything seems to be in good shape. There are no major signs of cracks that would indicate to the structure settling or uplifting.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Something I learned in this section is the difference between a conditioned crawlspace and a ventilated crawlspace. Also the different types of cracks that appear in foundations and walls and what they may indicate to be happening to the house.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture taken of a houses exterior illustrates a horizontal crack running along side the front door of the house. This is a clear sign of vertical movement in the houses structure. Indicating the slab on grade foundation shifted downward most likely due to the effect of rain over time.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This was a flat roof structure that had several stucco cracks along the exterior of the home. No cracks appeared to be larger than 1/8" of an inch and appeared to be normal stucco cracking. Mainly along the portions where the height of the structure changed. This is a photo of the rear portion of the chimney. The does not appear to be a structural issue because it is along a wall seam where typical cracks can appear. It also does not appear to be cracking horizontally.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Structural connection design for the home inspector
The home is a complex structure of interdependent components designed to function with each other and connection design is just that. Connection design ensure proper integrity of the home by ensuring proper load transfer of loads places on the home from structural members and to provide a consistent load path and disbursement of the load down and through the foundation, as well as any nonstructural components attached to the building. Structures are only as strong as how durable the components are connected together. This article discussed in depth the different types of connectors used to connect the components such as bolts, nails, nuts and other specialty hardware used to properly secure those components together.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
My photo is a sample of a conventional ridge raftors. There is a lack of rafter ties also no H clips between the sheathing. There is also no insulation or water vapor. Examining the ridge from the outside it is beginning to sag… I would suggest corrections be made by a certified roofer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Concrete for Exterier and structural walls
Nick Gronicko Berry Fowler
The exterior inspection would be very similar to a wood frame structure . Looking at mortar joints , settling , weep holes and grade of the property. Gutters and down spouts clear of derbies.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a painted block wall on the North end of a home. Saw darkening on the edges with the mortar. took a moisture meter to the edges to check it out and had a 69% reading just shy of wet.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I read the article basic waterproofing for basements.the first real step in keeping your basement waterproof is diverting exterior Waters away from the building. The next step is filling cracks so water can’t seep in. Paint and chemicals to seal moisture out.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The home inspected today has rain gutters installed with downspouts attached. The downspout located to the right of the front/main entry door has the discharge directed sideways along the length of the home rather than out and away from the foundation. This should be altered to direct the flow of water away from the building.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The enemy is water. It has many ways to damage a structure. The first consideration is to get the water away from the home. After the roof and gutters have shed the water,it is the grading that allows the water a free and unobstructed path away from the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture is a good example of improper drainage away from the property. Water flow from the roof has caused two sections of sidewalk to settle, causing a possible trip hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair the sidewalk sections and downspout drainage location as needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The gutter downspout is not connected to the underground drainage system. Instead it is emptying next to the foundation stem wall. This drain water can cause erosion next to the foundation and can lead to cracking in the foundation. Recommend securely connecting all gutter downspouts to underground drainage system to avoid possible structural damage in the future.
