I inspected a home today (1975) that had rebar in the corners but not at the openings. I am writing it up as Unreinforced Masonry. This is the first one I have come across like this so far. So…
Does everyone agree with this?
Thanks!
How were you able to determine there was no rebars inside the block at the corners.? Any pics? Curious:)
I myself would rate it as reinforced** if** in addition to the corners, there was a continuous tie beam with rebar.
However, I believe that outside the HVHZ. Rebar is required at at least one side of the doors and at the window header.
It would be nice if someone would post one of those nice charts York uses.
Down here in the Deep South, we use an overated metal detector thingy called a Zicron.:mrgreen:
Thanks, that is what I thought, but trying to verify. Not too many use those up here other than testing Labratory Agencies.
Reinforced grouted cells are required at windows, doors, and depending on the year of construction here between 4 and 8 feet of wall. There are also requirements for the lintels and at the top block. Suffice it to say that if no reinforcement (deformed steel rods can be detected) at every building opening a reinspector will mark the structure as unreinforced. Code notwithstanding the enginneer of record is never challenged on the design. They ought to be.
Give the guy a break it’s a ZIRCON and it works pretty good for a hundred bucks, we also use it to determine the nail spacing for the roof sheathing. That’s some of us at least.
Brian, reinforcement every 8 ft. in the walls may be part of the current building code. But I don’t believe that outside of the HVHZ, it is required for the reinforced masonry credit.
At the Melbourne meeting, York spoke about this and showed a chart detailing the different requirements for this rating. I love to see a copy of that chart.
NACHI Online Education:
How to Perform Wind Mitigation Inspections, Section 9 - Reinforcement Check, States:
IMPORTANT: You must located vertical re-bar at a minimum of two corners and next to one window or door opening to classify the wall as “Reinforced Masonry.”
That’s what I am going with although personally I am not convinced it is correct.
You should locate re-bar at two corners and at least one opening. 
I like it!
This link might be useful here.
A couple of “manuals” state the same
Yea…This Thingy
Just make sure you take the safety plastic off the little window before you use it. I did two inspections before I figured out why the black lines wouldn’t go away.?. I works much better now!
Seen those quite a few years ago, the price has gone down considerably.
That’s funny…I bet your not the only one! 
It seemed like the price crashed when the two page form was replaced. I’d see them on the clearance rack at Lowes.
Thar’s what I am talking about! I hate to point it out but it is the code.
Brian, I have been doing this type of reinforced masonry in Commercial building for well over 30 years. It is about time that this type of reinforcement is starting to be mandated for residential building in your area with all the hurricanes.