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	Exterior Walls - Concrete Block Wall cracking in concrete block construction is normal; minor cracks are present in virtually all homes, regardless of age, which are built in this manner. In most cases these cracks are not considered to be a structural defect and can be properly maintained by caulking or sealing on a periodic basis. If the cracks exceed 1/8" in width, there is a need to determine the cause and some type of reinforcement of the walls or foundation may be required. Minor cracking around door and window openings is also common, indicating typical mortar shrinkage or minor settlement of the structure. If it is suspected that these cracks are the result of causes other than normal shrinkage or settlement, your building analyst will advise you as to what procedures should be taken to further evaluate the condition. Exterior Walls - Wood Frame Wood walls which are covered with stucco will occasionally crack due to minor settlement, or warpage and shrinkage of the wood. These cracks must be sealed to prevent water from collecting behind the stucco, which could result in potential structural damage to the wood walls and increased termite concerns. The stucco on wood framed walls should be kept above grade if at all possible to help reduce or prevent possible termite intrusion behind the stucco. If existing stucco is currently below grade, corrective measures such as cutting the lower edges of the stucco up to above grade are recommended. Concrete Slabs Concrete slabs crack. In most cases these cracks are typically due to normal settlement or concrete shrinkage, and seldom indicate structural problems. Little or no corrective measures are required for this type of cracking. If abnormal cracks are detected, your building analyst will advise you as to what procedures should be taken to further evaluate the condition. Wood Trusses Most homes built since the 1950's utilize pre-manufactured wood trusses for roof construction and some flooring systems. These truss systems are carefully designed and engineered for strength and stability. Any damage, defect or alteration to an individual truss can adversely affect not only that truss, but other trusses as well, which may compromise the structural integrity of the entire roof or flooring system. All questionable truss conditions or damage should be evaluated by a truss engineer or a licensed general contractor in conjunction with a truss engineer to determine the extent of repairs needed. Roof and Surface Water Control Roof and surface water run-off should be controlled. This means keeping gutters cleaned out and aligned, extending downspouts, installing splash blocks, and building up the grade so that the roof and surface water are diverted away from the building.

Home | Inspections | Why Realty-Chek? | Contact Us | About Us

Exterior Walls - Concrete Block

Wall cracking in concrete block construction is normal; minor cracks are present in virtually all homes, regardless of age, which are built in this manner. In most cases these cracks are not considered to be a structural defect and can be properly maintained by caulking or sealing on a periodic basis. If the cracks exceed 1/8" in width, there is a need to determine the cause and some type of reinforcement of the walls or foundation may be required. Minor cracking around door and window openings is also common, indicating typical mortar shrinkage or minor settlement of the structure. If it is suspected that these cracks are the result of causes other than normal shrinkage or settlement, your building analyst will advise you as to what procedures should be taken to further evaluate the condition.

Exterior Walls - Wood Frame

Wood walls which are covered with stucco will occasionally crack due to minor settlement, or warpage and shrinkage of the wood. These cracks must be sealed to prevent water from collecting behind the stucco, which could result in potential structural damage to the wood walls and increased termite concerns. The stucco on wood framed walls should be kept above grade if at all possible to help reduce or prevent possible termite intrusion behind the stucco. If existing stucco is currently below grade, corrective measures such as cutting the lower edges of the stucco up to above grade are recommended.

Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs crack. In most cases these cracks are typically due to normal settlement or concrete shrinkage, and seldom indicate structural problems. Little or no corrective measures are required for this type of cracking. If abnormal cracks are detected, your building analyst will advise you as to what procedures should be taken to further evaluate the condition.

Wood Trusses

Most homes built since the 1950's utilize pre-manufactured wood trusses for roof construction and some flooring systems. These truss systems are carefully designed and engineered for strength and stability. Any damage, defect or alteration to an individual truss can adversely affect not only that truss, but other trusses as well, which may compromise the structural integrity of the entire roof or flooring system. All questionable truss conditions or damage should be evaluated by a truss engineer or a licensed general contractor in conjunction with a truss engineer to determine the extent of repairs needed.

Roof and Surface Water Control

Roof and surface water run-off should be controlled. This means keeping gutters cleaned out and aligned, extending downspouts, installing splash blocks, and building up the grade so that the roof and surface water are diverted away from the building.