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Inspecting Structure

Inspecting Structure. Inspecting Foundation: Inside. Horizontal Active Crack Shown – Sharp Edges – At Frost Line (upper 3 rd ) What do you suspect: Active or Inactive? Cause?. Inspecting Foundation: Inside. Bowing: Vertical curve in wall (shown) Sweep: Horizontal curve in wall

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Inspecting Structure

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  1. Inspecting Structure

  2. Inspecting Foundation: Inside Horizontal Active Crack Shown – Sharp Edges – At Frost Line (upper 3rd) What do you suspect: Active or Inactive? Cause?

  3. Inspecting Foundation: Inside Bowing: Vertical curve in wall (shown) Sweep: Horizontal curve in wall Bulge: Combination

  4. Bulge = Bow & Sweep

  5. Probe Deteriorating Materials Here, mortar joints are showing signs of deterioration: • deep mortar lines, brittle, dusting,

  6. Report Signs of Water Penetration Efflorescence on old limestone wall Water moving through a wall brings salts (from hydration product) to the surface that are not commonly bound as part of the cement. As the water evaporates, it leaves the salt behind, which forms a white, fluffy deposit, that can normally be brushed off. Non-structural concern.

  7. Reporting on the Foundation: What’s the Verdict? • Giving the foundation the “OK” • No signs of movement or settlement • No cracks (other than minor surface cracks) • Have customer monitor situation when • Signs of displacement are present, but not active • Active cracks less than ¼” wide with little signs of movement • Consultation with a structural engineer advised when • Active cracks over 3/8” wide • Horizontal cracks with movement • Bowing or leaning of a wall

  8. Reporting on Foundation • Identify type of foundation walls • Report: • condition of walls • describe cracks, including location • indicate “monitor” or “consult engineer”

  9. Inspecting Basement • Primarily concerned is water penetration • 90% of basement leaks are due to surface water: • Faulty gutters/downspouts • Improper grading • Non-functioning drain tiles due to silt build-up • Patios, drives, sidewalks tilted toward house • Remaining 10% is groundwater

  10. Inspecting Basement • Watch for: • Smell of dampness, mold & mildew • Standing water, wet slab • Staining & efflorescence • Rust at base of columns • Water damage to finishes or contents (sellers will try to hide damaged finishes)

  11. How Does Surface Water Enter?

  12. Gutter Problems: Basement Water Water marks will typically be seen in upper half of wall on the inside. Efflorescence on wall is common from this type of problem.

  13. Improper Grading Improperly pitched paver block patios are common, especially in do-it-yourself projects. Paver block patios should slope away from a structure at minimum of 1/8 inch per foot, and many paving companies recommend at slope of 1/4 inch per foot, especially for larger patios.

  14. Foundation Drain Problems Water will typically be seen at lower portion of wall and slab with not a lot of evidence at upper half of wall.

  15. Basement Drainage • Check electric sump pump • Should run smoothly and not continuously • Should have it’s own dedicated circuit • Crock should be covered and free of debris

  16. Basement Floor • Observe floor covering, if any • Inspect slab if visible • Shrinkage cracks are harmless • Note any displacement at cracks Heave/settlement may be occurring

  17. Overhead Structure: Joist, Column, Beams • Make note of any damaged joist (cracks/cut-out) • End notches < 1/4 depth (at end 1/3 of joist) • Mid notch < 1/6 depth (at middle 1/3 of joist) • Holes < 1/3 depth • Note presence of blocking/bridging

  18. You be the Investigator:Do You See A Problem? • What has happened? • What symptoms would you expect to see in this structure?

  19. Problems with the transitions between materials: • Above grade wood framing shrinks & below grade wall (masonry) doesn’t: Not a structural issue.

  20. Do You See A Problem? • What has happened? • What symptoms would you expect this structure to show you? • What would you report? • Recommendation?

  21. Cracked and splintering floor joist

  22. Delaminating floor sheathing is probably the result of water damage. • Check joist in this area for deterioration.

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