Exterior Inspection
Content
David Leo Teacher Graham Clarke Course Exterior Inspection CHI 708 Date March 2010 Exterior Inspection
Brick Veneer
Here we can grant that the brick veneer wall is coming into contact with the surrounding below grade. In this situation, mortar jointed brick draws water from areas that are wet at grade level. Water eventually penetrates the brick mortar like this. In the winter time snow is there leaning on the wall for a season. The wetness will penetrate the wall moving on to freeze thaw action; this water freezes and expands inside of the mortar, causing the mortar to break off. Possible structural member damage may have occurred but is likely to be minor because there is a bit of work to do to recover this wall. Recommend immediately putting mortar in these parts.
In this scene we can observe that the wall below a patio has become outcast from the desired shape of the home. The brick wall has bowed and is also touching the ground allowing water to climb up and weaken the mortar joints. Without a view behind the bowing wall we shall say that the wall lacks metal ties which securely strap the brick to the behind wall framing. Recommend the wall be taking off and redone with proper metal ties. The wall is a possible supporting structure for the patio slab. This case has to be immediately looked at further by a person who is determined to reveal that the patio is now in danger of collapsing or to be redone completely.
This window sill is an installation issue. Insufficient material was used to build it. The window sill bricks have slits in them which are created for holding stucco finishes. These bricks that are horizontally in this fashion lay a canyon for water to flow into causing the bricks to be excessively wet. Water penetration occurs and spalling brick is the aftermath. Flaked off bricks and half bricks recommend the bricks to be replaced or covered with concrete/limestone immediately to avoid further damage and water entering nearer to the interior.
Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)
In this image of a garden we can say the siding wall material; stucco has come near to the soil and even past its safe distance of being 8 inches above grade level. Wall builders are working like this when there are considerable presumptions that a wet garden will effect the stucco siding. The condition of the wall is perfect, partly because it is relatively new, although it should be glanced at every so often for the beginning of problems like cracking, crumbling or bulging. The bush will hold water on the wall. Bush recommends a trim.
On the wall outside the second story of this home, notice the crack along the corner of the wall. This is a hidden installation issue and it seems that the insulation board or system behind the stucco has failed to be adequately linked. Wet weather enhances this crack. Recommend immediate patching of this crack to temporarily prevent water from getting inside although the patch work may crack later. Another option would be to tear out the outer layer of stucco in this area to get to the bottom of how this wall was built. Recommend patching first for this may be all that is executed.
When railings go into the wall it gives a passage way for moisture to enter the wall system if the details are not properly caulked. This set up in the image is a good detail. Here there is no risk of water entering the wall through a connection and it makes the removal of the railing easier.
Doors & Windows
This garage entry door’s details on the outer edge have worn out with age. Caulking it again is recommended. The doors paint is peeling. Protection of the door can be accomplished by preparing the door for paint. Caulking and outer painted doors are regular maintenance details.
This door is a side door and its surrounding brick has a mortar crack which is difficult to see. It is a horizontal crack lined with the top if the door frame. This is caused by the expansion of rusted steel lintels over the door. There is not much to do because this is a structural issue although the crack should be caulked.
This window set up is good. The sill has a proper slope and the flashing is in good condition. The caulking on the outer left edge has worn out and is recommended to be immediately caulked. The window sill’s mortar has become loose and is in a condition for refilling with mortar. Right now the window sill is working ineffectively allowing water to run through this crack and down the wall. These are problems due to age and weather so regular maintenance of these details is key.
Brick Veneer
Here we can grant that the brick veneer wall is coming into contact with the surrounding below grade. In this situation, mortar jointed brick draws water from areas that are wet at grade level. Water eventually penetrates the brick mortar like this. In the winter time snow is there leaning on the wall for a season. The wetness will penetrate the wall moving on to freeze thaw action; this water freezes and expands inside of the mortar, causing the mortar to break off. Possible structural member damage may have occurred but is likely to be minor because there is a bit of work to do to recover this wall. Recommend immediately putting mortar in these parts.
In this scene we can observe that the wall below a patio has become outcast from the desired shape of the home. The brick wall has bowed and is also touching the ground allowing water to climb up and weaken the mortar joints. Without a view behind the bowing wall we shall say that the wall lacks metal ties which securely strap the brick to the behind wall framing. Recommend the wall be taking off and redone with proper metal ties. The wall is a possible supporting structure for the patio slab. This case has to be immediately looked at further by a person who is determined to reveal that the patio is now in danger of collapsing or to be redone completely.
This window sill is an installation issue. Insufficient material was used to build it. The window sill bricks have slits in them which are created for holding stucco finishes. These bricks that are horizontally in this fashion lay a canyon for water to flow into causing the bricks to be excessively wet. Water penetration occurs and spalling brick is the aftermath. Flaked off bricks and half bricks recommend the bricks to be replaced or covered with concrete/limestone immediately to avoid further damage and water entering nearer to the interior.
Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)
In this image of a garden we can say the siding wall material; stucco has come near to the soil and even past its safe distance of being 8 inches above grade level. Wall builders are working like this when there are considerable presumptions that a wet garden will effect the stucco siding. The condition of the wall is perfect, partly because it is relatively new, although it should be glanced at every so often for the beginning of problems like cracking, crumbling or bulging. The bush will hold water on the wall. Bush recommends a trim.
On the wall outside the second story of this home, notice the crack along the corner of the wall. This is a hidden installation issue and it seems that the insulation board or system behind the stucco has failed to be adequately linked. Wet weather enhances this crack. Recommend immediate patching of this crack to temporarily prevent water from getting inside although the patch work may crack later. Another option would be to tear out the outer layer of stucco in this area to get to the bottom of how this wall was built. Recommend patching first for this may be all that is executed.
When railings go into the wall it gives a passage way for moisture to enter the wall system if the details are not properly caulked. This set up in the image is a good detail. Here there is no risk of water entering the wall through a connection and it makes the removal of the railing easier.
Doors & Windows
This garage entry door’s details on the outer edge have worn out with age. Caulking it again is recommended. The doors paint is peeling. Protection of the door can be accomplished by preparing the door for paint. Caulking and outer painted doors are regular maintenance details.
This door is a side door and its surrounding brick has a mortar crack which is difficult to see. It is a horizontal crack lined with the top if the door frame. This is caused by the expansion of rusted steel lintels over the door. There is not much to do because this is a structural issue although the crack should be caulked.
This window set up is good. The sill has a proper slope and the flashing is in good condition. The caulking on the outer left edge has worn out and is recommended to be immediately caulked. The window sill’s mortar has become loose and is in a condition for refilling with mortar. Right now the window sill is working ineffectively allowing water to run through this crack and down the wall. These are problems due to age and weather so regular maintenance of these details is key.
