International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
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| Structural Inspections Contains discussions about the structural portion of a home inspection. This includes foundations, framing, etc. |
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#1
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The following email was sent to me as an attachment to an email hiring me as a phase inspector for this gentlemans new home.
Hi xxxxx and yyyyy, I was disappointed to find a large, deep crack in my basement floor when I stopped by to see the house over the weekend. It runs more than halfway across the basement floor, and appears to be full thickness. I am concerned because not only is it unacceptable from an asthetic point of view, but also because it may represent a structural problem. Given that this floor is just a few days old, my hope is that it can be fixed quickley. Please let John know about it. I'll try and phone you in the afternoon on mondat for an update. I can be reached at 210-867-9172. I have included a picture of the crack, considering I'm 10 ft above it looking down you get a sense of how significant it is. ![]() This basement slab was poured 5 days ago and I would like your opinion. I am for making contractor repair and if all else fails go to court, but I thought I'd get some non-biased opinions first. Contractor is saying that it is normal for this to happen. My Phase 1 inspection isn't till Wed. pm. In the world view we are all important and our mere existence effects all life. Jack Gilleland Home Inspection Services Clayton Commercial, Multifamily, and Residential jgilleland1@att.net Ohio_Commercial and_Home_Inspections activerain |
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#2
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Please Note:
Brian A. MacNeish is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
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#3
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Most concrete floor cracks are not an issue and are acceptable. By looking at the crack posted, it is a normal shrinkage crack that I come upon frequently.
I repeat, this is not an issue. |
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#4
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You can't really tell with a pic taken from 10 ft away... But after saying that, if it's not more than 1/8 of an inch wide, and isn't offset, I'd say the contractor is correct. However, With it being bran new, I wouldn't let him get away with not fixing it. It can be sealed, patched and polished so you can barely see it, and no water will come up when it rains.
If it is larger or offset, then there is an issue with the pour/settlement, and something (not sure what) should be done. Mark Nahrgang www.DaytonSpringfieldHomeInspector.com www.HeyMark.info Home Inspections for Springfield, Dayton, and surrounding OH areas. |
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#5
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Thanks everyone. My concern is aesthetic, not going to look so hot in new basement. Client is upset that it is there at all. I haven't even seen it in person yet, but I will be getting my own pics in 3 hours.
Jack In the world view we are all important and our mere existence effects all life. Jack Gilleland Home Inspection Services Clayton Commercial, Multifamily, and Residential jgilleland1@att.net Ohio_Commercial and_Home_Inspections activerain |
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#6
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Though they should wait a year , for settlement issues to subside. |
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#7
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Please Note:
ckratzer is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
I'd be willing to bet the 3" stubb out was hit with the power float which,if hit hard enough could cause enough disturbance to crack the floor.
It's also common to see those cracks around/near pipes that weren't well bedded before the pour or weren't deep enough.They will move during the pour and floating ,and of course, cause cracking.So,you know,was it the plumber or the flat work guy??That's what these two thoughts wil lead to. If the floor has steel in it ,it shouldn't move too much.Probably the best you could do now is patch the cracks and move on. Cheremie |
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#8
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Concretelike other construction materials, contracts and expands with changes in moisture and temperature, and deflects depending on load and support conditions. Crackscan occur when provisions to accommodate these movements are not made in design and construction. All concrete has a tendency to crack and it is not possible to produce completely crack-free concrete. However, it can be controlled. The majority of concrete cracks usually because of improper design and practices as such; Omission of isolation and contraction joints. Improper subgrade preparation. The use of high slump concrete or excessive addition of water at the job site. Low cement mix or poor ratio of cement/water; 2500psi vs. 3000psi concrete. Improper finishing and Inadequate or no curing. Hope this helps and waiting for new pictures hopefull of the whole room. Marcel LEED Green Associates InachiAwardsPortal: Inachi US Member of the Year Award 2009 |
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#9
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Please Note:
Brian A. MacNeish is a non-member guest and is in no way affiliated with InterNACHI or its members.
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#10
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Okay...... Got Pictures.
From the looks of the cracks on-site and some of the color differences in the surface I think we had an overzealous laborer with the hose. They all looked superficial to me, but you guys give me your opinion. Thanks In the world view we are all important and our mere existence effects all life. Jack Gilleland Home Inspection Services Clayton Commercial, Multifamily, and Residential jgilleland1@att.net Ohio_Commercial and_Home_Inspections activerain |
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#11
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Too your customer, who obviously knows nothing about concrete, I would lead him to web links explaining why concrete cracks in detail. Dale Duffy Inspect Arizona Companies, Inc. Phoenix Commercial Building Inspectors, Inc. Phoenix Thermal Imaging, Inc. Infraspection Certified Thermographer 602.402.5305 Home Hints eNews
InterNACHI 2007 U.S.A Member of the Year National Association of Commercial Building Inspectors, Inc. |
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#12
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I don't see an issue.
If your client doesn't like the cracks, the contractor can go over it with a parge coat of mortar, but that will be an obvious fix showing two different colors on the floor. |
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#13
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This morning I poured water in the crack and watch as it just sat there. Took pictures showing no movement to prove to client they are superficial. Sent to client.
Since this is a finished section they are going to talk to contractor about a finished floor. All's well that ends well. In the world view we are all important and our mere existence effects all life. Jack Gilleland Home Inspection Services Clayton Commercial, Multifamily, and Residential jgilleland1@att.net Ohio_Commercial and_Home_Inspections activerain |
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#14
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Three guarantees in life. 1) You must pay taxes, 2) concrete cracks when curing, and 3) We all die at some point. Peter Doane Realty Check Inspection Service NACHI ID# 05120681
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#15
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Thanks Peter - Your an optimist right?
In the world view we are all important and our mere existence effects all life. Jack Gilleland Home Inspection Services Clayton Commercial, Multifamily, and Residential jgilleland1@att.net Ohio_Commercial and_Home_Inspections activerain |
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