Concrete Structures: Home Inspection - Exterior Walls

วันพฤหัสบดีที่ 31 มีนาคม พ.ศ. 2554

Home Inspection - Exterior Walls - Part 3 of 3

www.homeownerseries.com This is video #3 of a 3-part series. The videos are Part 1 = youtu.be Part 2 = youtu.be Part 3 = youtu.be To watch the Exterior Walls Playlist = www.youtube.com Other items to consider when inspecting the exterior walls of a home are as follows. An algae build up is not a desirable condition for any exterior surface. Algae leads to dry rot and other deteriorating conditions; it is an indication that the house is not able to dry out properly which could be due to shading from trees or other structures. On this exterior stucco wall you can see that the weep screed has been covered by an improperly installed sidewalk. The wall cannot dry out sufficiently which has caused algae to develop. This is an early precursor to mold and water damage inside the wall. The entire perimeter of the home should have an open space between the foundation and the exterior wall, be it wood, stucco, vinyl or any composite. Dirt does not allow exterior walls to properly vent. If dirt is allowed to build up to the siding or weep screed problems will develop. Additionally, dirt along the side of the house flush with the exterior wall also allows termites to build their tunnels into the house giving them a facilitated access throughout the structure of the home. Here you can see a concrete patio slab that was installed covering the weep screed and at an angle that directs water toward the house. This combination of errors will promote a rapid disintegration of the exterior ...