This thread on the InterNACHI Inspection Community Forum is dedicated to students enrolled in InterNACHI’s free, online “Pre-Drywall Inspection Course.”
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Nice to see the new course.
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Task 1: Decay Protection Inspection Essay
When inspecting for Decay Protection here in Texas, the first thing to look for is proper drainage and lot grading. Whether a slab on grade or pier and beam foundation, the home should have a gutter system that will discharge or day-light the water, at minimum, 3 to 5 feet from the foundation wall. Additionally, the ground will need to be sloped away from the foundation within the first 10 feet of the foundation wall, or at least have proper ground swales, to direct any surface water away from the foundation. Without proper drainage around the foundation, increased hydrostatic pressure on the foundation could cause heaving of a slab or shifting of piers, and in pier and beam foundations, could leak to conducive conditions for pest in the crawlspace.
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Task 2: Termite Protection Inspection Essay
When inspecting for Termite Protection here in Texas, what is probably the easiest thing to look for is proper clearance between the siding or cladding material and the grade surface. Depending on the material, an inspector needs to see at least six to eight inches of the foundation wall for a slab on grade foundation. When inspecting a pier and beam foundation system, the inspector needs to see some sort of flashing or cap on the piers to ensure there is some type of termite barrier between the pier and the wooden beam. An inspector is also looking for signs of wood-to-ground contact, as well as proper markings or stamping of wood to indicate that it has been treated appropriately to minimize the possibilities of termite damage. An inspector may also encounter signs that the wood is a type that is resistant to termite damage. Without a pre-drywall inspection like this, a home may quickly fall into a state of disrepair that becomes nearly cost prohibitive to remedy after the drywall has been installed and a family has lived in the house for some time.
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Decay Protection Inspection
The inspection of the materials used to secure the structure to the foundation in close contact with the ground is important to the longevity and securement of the bulding materials. These wood materials must be of durable wood or preservative treated lumber. This interaction between the ground and the building is critical in preventing premature failure of these important structural elements. All lumber used must me protected within IRC guidelines and fastened with bolts and nails that are compatible with the treatments used. The material should be marked clearly identifying what is used.
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While inspecting for termites and decay, it’s important to get a system down to check all clearances and the use of treated wood for siding, girders, etc. Getting New Construction inspections is important to catch items that are wrong or that have been missed, that can be corrected at the time of the build. Failure to get inspections on new and existing homes can lead to extensive and costly repairs if items go unnoticed until all the decay and termite damage is done.
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Allowable spans…
The importance of having a home inspection for items of framing and allowable spans is crucial before the drywall is put in place. Mistakes in these areas that are not caught and fixed prior to walls going up, can lead to things like sagging floors or structural failure. All new homes should have an inspection done to insure the structural integrity of the home.
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This looks like an amazing course. I’m just a couple of hours into it right now.
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Inspecting the bearings of joists, beams, and girders is crucial for the safety and durability of residential structures. These elements are vital for transferring loads to the foundation, and inadequate inspection can lead to serious consequences.
In newly constructed homes, failing to verify proper bearing can result in hidden issues, such as sagging floors and cracking walls. Over time, these deficiencies may escalate into costly repairs and pose safety risks for occupants. Additionally, builders and inspectors may face legal liabilities if structural failures occur due to negligence.
By prioritizing inspections of these structural components, we can identify potential problems early and protect the integrity of homes. This proactive approach not only ensures the safety of residents but also fosters trust between builders and homeowners. Ultimately, thorough inspections help maintain community standards and safeguard our investments in residential construction.
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Looking forward to starting this course.
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Written Assignment: Decay Protection
In high moisture areas like Louisiana, inspection for proper building practices concerning wood decay is very important. The consequences may not show up immediately but can be severe over time. If the proper treatment of wooden members subjected to moisture is not identified before covered or improperly installed, there could be major structural issues later.
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Written Assignment: Termite Protection
When a new home is being built there are many steps taken to protect the home. One of those steps is termite protection. If this step is skipped, without an inspection, you may never know that the most susceptible areas of your home are not protected from termites. Getting an inspection during the early building stages will allow the most import areas to be inspected and protected.
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In " Task 1: Inspection of Allowable Spans and Materials" under the “Example Inspection of Girder” it says the maximum allowable span is 7’5" but if you look at the table R602.7(2) the maximum allowable span for a 24’ wide structure with 3, 2x12s of Southern Pine #2 is 6’5". Am i reading this table wrong? Or was this a typo?
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Allowable Spans Writing Assignment
Proper spanning of supports within the home is critical to the overall performance of the floors/ceilings and how the structure moves loads from above down to the foundation. The spans across a room, and the distance on center between supports can only be guessed at once a home is fully constructed. By inspected these items before dry-wall is put in place, an inspector can help avoid sagging floors, check fasteners, and possible overall structural failure because the building is unable to properly transfer loads from above down to the foundation.
Task 1: In Texas we are required to get a separate license to perform WDI or Termite inspections. We use a different form put out by the Texas Ag Dept. In it we must identify Conducive Conditions for termite activity, which is based off the IRC codes. One that is most common is brought up here, which is having 4-6 inches of clearance from grade to sheathing. It is common for even new homes to have areas with high soil, where the soil line rises up past the sill plate. Although most cladding is brick or cement fiber, it can still lead to deterioration of the interior wall framing and allow termite intrusion.
In one of the training videos the instructor briefly touches on the issue of framing containing biological growth, and making a recommendation for it pre-drywall. I bookmarked the place and now can’t find it. 3 questions: 1) can someone remember where this discussion is and direct me to it? 2) what, if any, guidelines apart from personal judgement exist for when to say something about bio growth on structural members before drywall? 3) anyone have a good narrative to share? Thanks in advance.
Task 1. Decay.
In a warm and humid environment like coastal Georgia, proactive measures are crucial to combat wood decay. Here’s how builders can safeguard against it effectively:
- Site Preparation and Drainage
- Grading: Ensure proper site grading to direct water away from the foundation.
- Drainage Systems: Install gutters, downspouts, and drains to manage surface and subsurface water.
- Physical Barriers
- Flashing: Properly install flashing around windows, doors, and roof joints to prevent water intrusion.
- Sill Barrier: Use sill plates that are treated or include a physical barrier to separate wood from direct moisture contact, especially on the foundation.
- Material Selection
- Decay-Resistant Materials: Choose naturally resistant wood species (like cedar or redwood) or treated lumber in areas where wood is exposed to moisture.
- Mold-Resistant Products: Opt for mold-resistant drywall and insulation, especially in moisture-prone areas.
- Lumber Treatment
- Pre-Treatment: Apply a wood preservative treatment before the installation of insulation and drywall. Products containing fungicides and insecticides help protect the wood against biological threats.
- Visible Dye: Utilizing a dyed treatment, like the green dye in your example, allows for easy verification of application during pre-drywall inspections. (I have a photo as an example but could not figure out how to post it?)
- Pre-Drywall Inspection
- Comprehensive Review: Conduct a thorough inspection of all exposed wood, ensuring all treatments and barriers are correctly applied.
By implementing these strategies, builders can significantly mitigate the risks of wood decay, ensuring a long-lasting and durable structure. Regular inspections and maintenance post-construction also play a critical role in sustaining these protective measures.
Task 2: Termite protection inspection essay.
While it is very important to have a working functional knowledge of inspecting for termites, in Georgia, a special license is required, and I quote: “In Georgia, to inspect for termites, the inspector must hold a valid Pest Control Operator’s License. Specifically, the following qualifications are essential:
- Pest Control Operator License: This license is required for individuals who wish to perform pest control services, including termite inspections and treatments.
- Certification in Structural Pest Control: Inspectors must also have certification in structural pest control, which can be obtained through training programs approved by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA).
- Continuing Education: It is necessary for licensed operators to complete continuing education courses periodically to maintain their license.
To become licensed, individuals typically must pass an examination and meet specific education and experience requirements. For detailed information, it’s advisable to consult the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Control Division or their official website.”
Therefore be careful not to overstep any laws and boundaries and expose yourself to legal risks by giving advice and appearing to be a Pest Control Operator licensee, if you are not. If in your pre-drywall inspection you notice a condition which may me conducive to termites, my advice would be to advise the customer to hire a licensed professional for an additional follow up pest control inspection, in accordance with the law.
Speaking to the importance of decay and termite prevention.
Inspecting for wood decay and termite activity or damage is something we may be used to. But being able to inspect from the beginning to look for ways to prevent these issues can be far more beneficial. It starts with proper installation practices and materials. Proper water and air control, and using appropriate treated lumber in areas prone to dampness or ground contact is important. When treated structural materials are used, proper fasteners are important for maintaining the integrity of the connections.
Just starting this course.