Structural System

All exposed masonry is inspected and evaluated for such factors as: cracking, spalling, deflection, and mortar detrioration.

During this inspection problems associated with differential settlement are inspected. Uneven (differential) settlement can be a major structural problem in small residential buildings. Problems associated with masonry piers are also examined. Masonry piers are often used to support internal loads on small residential buildings or to support projecting building elements such as bay windows, porches, and additions. Sweeping or horizontal cracking of the foundation walls is another element that is looked for. The sweeping or horizontal cracking of brick or concrete block foundation walls may be caused by improper backfilling, vibration from the movement of heavy equipment or vehicles close to the wall, or by the swelling or freezing and heaving of water saturated soils adjacent to the wall. Cracking associated with drying shrinkage in concrete block foundation walls is also looked at.

Above ground masonry walls are inspected for: Wall cracking resulting from freeze-thaw cycles, wall cracking associated with extreme variations in temperature or moisture levels, wall displacement associated with the structural failure of other building elements, bulging, leaning or differential settling of walls, problems associated with brick, stone or stucco veneer walls, problems associated with parapet walls and fire damage to masonry wall systems.

Chimneys are evaluated with regard to differential settlement, pointing defects, deflection and flashing and sealant defects at wall and roof intersections.

Wood structural components in residential buildings are typically only visible and accessible in attics, basements and crawlspaces. These areas are inspected and evaluated for: Deflection and/or warping, problems associated with water seepage or leakage, impact from wood boring insects, mold and fungus growth, fire damage, failutre of frame members and failutre at frame member connections, modifications of load bearing systems.

Metal structural components utilzed in residential buildings include beams, columns, angle iron, wood member strapping and imbedded metal components in exterior masonry walls. These components are inspected and evaluated for: Corrosion, Fire damage, Deflection, Inadequate support and Overspanning

Concrete is typically utilized for grade and below-grade level floors, above and below-grade level foundation walls and below-grade footings. Concrete structural components are inspected for: Cracking; both structural and superficial, displacement and/or differential settlement, spalling and other forms of surface deterioration, heaving or settling of slab areas and fire damage.