The Inspector Who Noticed A Crack and Found Structural Problems

Home inspectors can use uncomplicated optical tools to decree when a crack or bulge might indicate structural problems in the foundation of a building. Sometimes a uncomplicated set of tools together with a level, ruler, flashlight and plumb line are enough, combined with the touch and expertise of the instructor, to unveil potentially perilous conditions.

There are any signs that inspectors look for. Among the most coarse are:
Cracks that can indicate settlement due to poor construction, water damage, earthquakes, or too much weight in a concentrated area. Leaning or buckling foundations that can indicate a situation arising from pressure due to backfill, low grade construction materials used, or differences in settlement between materials. Cracks in footings or slabs that can mean that they were built too shallowly, damaged by frost, or built on loose soil. Foundation damage due to impacts by equipment. Bulges, leaning or tipping due to settlement, frost, water or construction movement. Shrinkage cracks in concrete or concrete block that may not be a structural concern but may be an indication of water or radon entry.

DRYWALL SETTLEMENT

It is prominent to note that each foundation material has specific key indicators of stress or damage. For example, a horizontal crack a concrete block wall may be more serious than the same crack in brick, concrete, masonry, or wood.

Whatever the material, all foundation walls are worthy of an inspector's scrutiny because as they age, cracks and bulges indicate movement or leaks. This applies to both solid walls and veneer masonry. Cracks are coarse because houses decree over time. Home inspectors must decree either cracks indicate defects in the structure of the house. Commonly cracks larger than an eighth of an inch, or cracks that indicate movement guarantee an extended evaluation, possibly by a structural engineer because they allow water to seep into the wall.

Inspectors also look colse to window and doorframes for cracks, and for sloping floors, all of which maybe harbingers for structural damage. In some cases, door and window frames may discharge moisture and can cause deterioration.

In particular, inspectors pay extra attentiveness to veneers like siding, stucco, brick or stone. Veneers are built to allow moisture to seep down to the lowest and exit straight through holes. Some houses have "weep holes" built into the face walls to help operate this issue. It is prominent that home inspectors check to make sure that construction codes for these holes were followed, so that potential damage from that moisture behind the veneer has not icy and caused movement. It is also prominent to check for rust in any optical metal supports and to check for potential movement in the veneer.

Another prominent fact to note is that doing a home inspection when defects like cracks and bulges are gift in foundations can be dangerous. Some structural problems may be severe and there may be a possibility that a construction could collapse while the inspection is taking place. In addition, sometimes construction conditions can be disguised, added endangering the inspector.

The home inspector who notices and reports on these types of structural problems can save home owners and buyer's money in the long run by recommending a expert to fix to preserve the integrity of the building. In all cases, home inspectors also need to protect themselves, their tools, and their own businesses with home inspection errors and omissions insurance, in the case of accidents or missed structural problems.

The Inspector Who Noticed A Crack and Found Structural Problems

DRYWALL SETTLEMENT