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Inspecting Inspecting Structure Structure

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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 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Inspecting Inspecting StructureStructure

Inspecting Foundation: Inspecting Foundation: InsideInside

Horizontal Active Crack Shown Horizontal Active Crack Shown – – Sharp EdgesSharp Edges– – At Frost Line (upper 3At Frost Line (upper 3rdrd))

What do you suspect:What do you suspect:

Active or Inactive?Active or Inactive? Cause?Cause?

Inspecting Foundation: Inspecting Foundation: InsideInside

Bowing: Bowing: Vertical curve in wall (shown)Vertical curve in wall (shown)

Sweep: Sweep: Horizontal curve in wallHorizontal curve in wall

Bulge: Bulge: CombinationCombination

Bulge = Bow & Bulge = Bow & SweepSweep

Probe Deteriorating Probe Deteriorating MaterialsMaterials

Here, mortar joints are showing signs of Here, mortar joints are showing signs of deterioration:deterioration:

o deep mortar lines, brittle, dusting, deep mortar lines, brittle, dusting,

Report Signs of Water Report Signs of Water PenetrationPenetration

Efflorescence on old limestone Efflorescence on old limestone wallwall

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.

Giving the foundation the “OK” Giving the foundation the “OK” No signs of movement or settlementNo signs of movement or settlement No cracks (other than minor surface cracks)No cracks (other than minor surface cracks)

Have customer monitor situation whenHave customer monitor situation when Signs of displacement are present, but not activeSigns of displacement are present, but not active Active cracks less than ¼” wide with little signs of movementActive cracks less than ¼” wide with little signs of movement

Consultation with a structural engineer Consultation with a structural engineer advised whenadvised when Active cracks over 3/8” wideActive cracks over 3/8” wide Horizontal cracks with movementHorizontal cracks with movement Bowing or leaning of a wallBowing or leaning of a wall

Reporting on the Foundation: What’s the Verdict?

Reporting on FoundationReporting on Foundation

Identify type of foundation wallsIdentify type of foundation walls Report:Report:

condition of wallscondition of walls describe cracks, including locationdescribe cracks, including location indicate “monitor” or “consult indicate “monitor” or “consult

engineer”engineer”

Inspecting BasementInspecting Basement

Primarily concerned is water Primarily concerned is water penetrationpenetration

90% of basement leaks are due to 90% of basement leaks are due to surface water:surface water: Faulty gutters/downspoutsFaulty gutters/downspouts Improper gradingImproper grading Non-functioning drain tiles due to silt build-upNon-functioning drain tiles due to silt build-up Patios, drives, sidewalks tilted toward housePatios, drives, sidewalks tilted toward house

Remaining 10% is groundwaterRemaining 10% is groundwater

Inspecting BasementInspecting Basement

Watch for:Watch for: Smell of dampness, mold & mildewSmell of dampness, mold & mildew Standing water, wet slabStanding water, wet slab Staining & efflorescenceStaining & efflorescence Rust at base of columnsRust at base of columns Water damage to finishes or contentsWater damage to finishes or contents

(sellers will try to hide damaged finishes)(sellers will try to hide damaged finishes)

How Does Surface Water Enter?

Gutter Problems: Gutter Problems: Basement WaterBasement 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.

Improper GradingImproper 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.

Foundation Drain Foundation Drain ProblemsProblems

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

Basement DrainageBasement Drainage

Check electric Check electric sump pumpsump pump Should run smoothly and Should run smoothly and

not continuouslynot continuously Should have it’s own Should have it’s own

dedicated circuitdedicated circuit Crock should be covered Crock should be covered

and free of debrisand free of debris

Basement FloorBasement Floor

Observe floor covering, if anyObserve floor covering, if any Inspect slab if visibleInspect slab if visible

Shrinkage cracks are harmlessShrinkage cracks are harmless Note any displacement at cracksNote any displacement at cracks

Heave/settlement may be occurringHeave/settlement may be occurring

Overhead Structure: Overhead Structure: Joist, Column, BeamsJoist, Column, Beams

Make note of any damaged joist Make note of any damaged joist (cracks/cut-out)(cracks/cut-out) End notches < 1/4 depth (at end 1/3 of joist)End notches < 1/4 depth (at end 1/3 of joist) Mid notch < 1/6 depth (at middle 1/3 of joist)Mid notch < 1/6 depth (at middle 1/3 of joist) Holes < 1/3 depthHoles < 1/3 depth

Note presence of blocking/bridgingNote presence of blocking/bridging

You be the Investigator:You be the Investigator:Do You See A Problem?Do You See A Problem?

•What has happened? •What symptoms would you expect to see in this structure?

Problems with the transitions Problems with the transitions between materials:between materials:

Above grade wood framing shrinks & Above grade wood framing shrinks & below grade wall (masonry) doesn’t: below grade wall (masonry) doesn’t: Not a structural issue.Not a structural issue.

Do You See A Problem?Do You See A Problem?

•What has happened?•What symptoms would you expect this structure to show you?•What would you report?•Recommendation?

Cracked and splintering floor joist

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