Foundations
Lowest level structural wall or floor responsible for transferring the building’s load to the appropriate footings and soil. Materials may include concrete, stone, masonry and wood.
This inspectable item can have the following deficiencies:
- Cracks/Gaps
- Spalling/Exposed Rebar
Cracks/Gaps
Deficiency: You see a split in the exterior of the lowest structural wall.
Note: Cracks that show evidence of water penetration should be evaluated here.
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: N/A
Level 2: You see cracks more than 1/8-inch-wide by 1/8-inch-deep by 6 inches long.
- OR You see large pieces, for example, many bricks, that are separated or missing from the wall or floor.
Level 3: You see large cracks or gaps more than 3/8-inch-wide by 3/8-inch-deep by 6 inches long, a possible sign of a serious structural problem.
- OR You see cracks that are the full depth of the wall, providing opportunity for water penetration.
- OR You see sections of the wall or floor that are broken apart.
Comment:
Level 3: If you have any doubt about the severity of the problem, request an inspection by a structural engineer.
Spalling/Exposed Rebar
Deficiency: A concrete or masonry wall is flaking, chipping, or crumbling, possibly exposing underlying reinforcing material (rebar).
Level of Deficiency:
Level 1: N/A
Level 2: You see obvious, large spalled area(s) affecting 10% to 50% of any foundation wall.
Level 3: You see obvious, significant spalled area(s) affecting more than 50% of any foundation wall.
- OR You see spalling that exposes any reinforcing material, such as rebar or other.
Comment:
Level 3: If you have any doubt about the severity of the problem, request an inspection by a structural engineer.