HELLO,
STARTING THE Advanced Inspection of Crawlspaces Course.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
THE ATTACHED IMAGE IS THAT OF A DISPOSABLE DUST MASK. ALTHOUGH THIS MASK CONTAINS A SMALL TYPE OF RESPIRATOR, AND PROVIDES SOME LEVEL OF PROTECTION, IT MAY BE A BETTER IDEA TO USE A HALF-MASK WITH REPLACEABLE FILTER CARTRIDGES FOR MORE PROTECTION. A FULL MASK PROVIDES EVEN MORE SUPPORT, CONSIDERING IT HAS EYE PROTECTION ALSO. CONSIDERING THE CONDITIONS OF A CRAWLSPACE, ONE MIGHT WANT TO CONSIDER UTILIZING THE BEST PROTECTIVE APPLICATION POSSIBLE.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Areas of the floor joists were stained, decayed and covered with a substance resembling biological growth and moisture reading indicated elevated levels of moisture present in the floor components. The noted conditions were in an area of poor ventilation and were likely the result of long-term exposure of the floor to condensate moisture. We recommend that the decayed and stained wood be repaired or replaced that source of moisture be located and corrected by a qualified contractor.
Research & Writing Assignment:
THE ARTICLE THAT I CHOSE FROM THE LIBRARY OF INSPECTION ARTICLES IS TITLED, “DRYER VENT SAFETY”. ONE AREA OF THE ARTICLE EXPLAINS HOW DRYER VENTS SHOULD NEVER TERMINATE INSIDE CRAWLSPACES OR ATTICS. THE REASON WHY YOU DON’T WANT THIS IS BECAUSE IT THEN PLACES MOISTURE IN THAT AREA, WHICH CAN THEN LEAD TO THE PROMOTION OF MOLD GROWTH, WOOD DECAY, AND OTHER PROBLEMS.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Residential Foundation Insulation - the advantages of insulating a building foundation are often overlooked and the lack in insulation could account for up to 50 % of the heat loss from a home. Properly insulating the walls and the installation of a proper vapor barrier over the ground surface increases the comfort level within the home and reduces the potential of condensation or other moisture related issues within the crawlspace area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose the crawlspace hazards and inspection article to write about. There are many important factors in a crawl space that can have significant impact for the home structure and systems, as well as for the inspectors safety. If a crawlspace has unsafe conditions, the inspector is not required to enter this area.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A vapor barrier is used for vapor control. Vapor barriers are often made of material that is usually plastic or foil. When inspecting a crawlspace that has a vapor barrier installed, an inspector should look for a minimum of 6-mil with a 6-inch seal and overlap of the ends of the vapor barrier.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When and inspector is inspecting a crawlspace, having the right tool available when needed will aide an inspector in performing an exceptional inspection. A flashlight, probing tool, moisture meter, thermal camera and PPE (Protective Personal Equipment)are all just a few of the tools and inspector will frequently use, so having them readily available will make the job run more efficient. An inspector may run into a situation that a thermal camera cannot report the findings of a moisture meter.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This crawlspace is damp with moister missing vapor barrier. the floors weren’t insulated at all. Expose plumbing threw out crawlspace. I recommend to put down a vapor barrier to help with dampness. Recommend to add insulation to floor to help with the energy cost.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
FLOOR INSULATION- No under floor insulation is present. This is common in older homes, but the addition of insulation would be a good energy upgrade. ANCHORING- Foundation bolts are present. GIRDERS & JOISTS- Good condition. SUBFLOOR- Fair Condition. Plywood. Staining and deterioration are on the subflooring or framing members under the home. Repairs have been made to certain areas. These stains appear to be from past moisture damage however we cannot be sure. Recommend further evaluation by a qualified trades person. OBSERVATIONS- There is clear evidence of past or present rodent, animal activity in the crawlspace. Recommend contacting an exterminator.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Inspection for beam sag - I chose this one because I recently have seen this in a older home that had uneven floors and slopping floors after I used my floor level and ball test prompted by just walking on the floor and noticing that it was uneven. I proceeded to talk to the home owner on the available option they have. The home was approx 1250 sf. and the entire home was on post/beam with no exterior insulation (that I could find) wide open areas with no skirting. I went into detail on how the home owner would proceed in this matter by getting a qualified foundation company to evaluate and quote to properly fix this issue. Beam had dry rot, current moisture damage and bore holes for no apparent reason (nothing going through them). In addition to that the beams were not attached or anchored to the posts prperly, only toe nails were used and some were off center to the post.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
It is important for home inspector to inspect crawlspace as part of a home inspection although it is also important to carry protective personal equipment PPE since crawlspace can be a place for virus, insects and live wire. Inspector should avoid entering a crawlspace that is not readily accessible.
Research & Writing Assignment:
While performing am inspection, home inspector should keep in might the hazard associated with a crawlspace and take the necessary precaution. Home inspector should not disturb asbestos! The microscopic fibers that cause illness become airborne when the insulation is handled or disturbed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Crawl spaces below a home contain dirt floors. Dirt floors generally have a lot of dampness. Water can easily access the space. Moisture increases the risk of mildew,mold,fungi,and rot in your home.Installing a vapor barrier underneath your home can prevent health problems.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Fully encapsulating a crawlspace. Sealing the floor,piers,vents and foundation walls is not as it sounds. Using the correct materials makes the the biggest difference in the final result. The first step would be determine if the crawlspace can be encapsulated in its current form.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Efflorescence is the presence of a white powder that appears on concrete, brick, wood and stone Water, which can make its way through pours material quickly, deposits the mineral (salt) after drying. It is present in rainwater as well as groundwater. Soil can introduce moisture into these building materials as well. The capillary action or wicking can move moisture upward at a tremendous rate. By repeating this process over and over, large deposits of salts are left. Natural forces want to make things even and water rushes to the area, hoping to balance the process. This is known as osmosis. This creates pressure that is much stronger then the existing building materials. And that pressure can cause cracking, flaking and the breaking down of materials which is known as spalling. This process can be possibly eliminated by using polyethylene sheets under slabs to create a capillary break. Proper maintenance and good housekeeping can help to alleviate as well. Identifying and inspecting for efflorescence, while a cosmetic problem, can be a strong notification for moisture presence in a home. Removal can be done a number of ways. Pressure washing, acid wash and scrubbing with a hard brush. Care must be taken and proper procedures should be followed. If necessary, a qualified professional can be consulted and a evaluation can be made.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Image shows a slab on grade structure. Aggregate spacing from exterior foundation area to grass line is adequate and helps promote drainage. Vegetation is far enough from foundation and wall and is trimmed regularly. Drain extension is sufficiently beyond foundation area and disperses into splash block. There are minor settlement cracks in slab and threshold area below door should be replaced. Bottom of foundation wall to the right and to the left of the drain extension, where it meets the slab, are slightly raised and should be sealed and painted to prevent any possible water intrusion. A qualified professional should be contacted and a evaluation should be made.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon inspection of the crawlspace, below the rear addition, issues were found. The addition has a central support beam, running from left to right, supporting the floor joists above. The supports have been installed directly onto the concrete floor, and the top and bottom of the support columns were left, unsecured.
A qualified structural contractor is needed to assess the installation, and perform necessary repairs. Proper footings are needed, for the columns, and every column should be secured; top and bottom.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspaces are dark, narrow, and full of potentially dangerous conditions. Before every crawlspace inspection, ensure that you are wearing appropriate PPE, and make sure to do a complete survey, with a strong flashlight, prior to entering the crawlspace. Enter the crawlspace with a plan, and be prepared, before climbing into a crawlspace that may be difficult to exit.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo was in a house constructed in early 1900. The floor and joist show some evidence of efflorescence,(mineral deposits caused by water intrusion). No moisture is evident at this time and the plumbing has been changed to PVC. The wooden components, when tested by tapping and probing on them appear to be sound and solid. Observed all the immediate areas that had evidence of efflorescence but no decay was visible at the time of the
inspection.
