In North America, modern house-construction techniques include light-frame construction (in areas with access to supplies of wood) and adobe or sometimes rammed-earth construction (in arid regions with scarce wood-resources). Some areas use brick almost exclusively, and quarried stone has long provided walling. To some extent, aluminum and steel have displaced some traditional building materials. Increasingly popular alternative construction materials include insulating concrete forms (foam forms filled with concrete), structural insulated panels (foam panels faced with oriented strand board or fiber cement), and light-gauge steel framing and heavy-gauge steel framing.
Houses may be supported by a crawl space, full or partial basement or a floating slab on grade. Basements can be constructed of wood, poured concrete or masonry blocks. Poured concrete is becoming the norm for most housing and is far superior for cost and strength.
Your house framing is typically either balloon framing or platform framing. Balloon framing is an older method of wood framing that utilizes long, continuous framing members (studs) that run from sill to eaves, with intermediate floor platforms nailed to them. Once popular when long lumber was plentiful, balloon framing has been largely replaced by platform framing. However, balloon framing is growing in popularity again in light-gauge, steel stud construction. For light-gauge steel, long framing members are not as much of an issue. Some electricians prefer working in balloon frame buildings because the lack of fire blocking makes it much easier to add circuits.
Concrete foundations are susceptible to cracking from settling and shrinkage. This are necessarily a sign of structural weakness but a common occurance for concrete. Two cracks that form a V shape indicate heaving, especially if accompanied by crushed mortar joints. Two cracks that form an upside-down V or pyramid shape indicate settlement or drooping in the middle. Horizontal cracks are not caused by settlement, yet they can still be a cause for concern. Horizontal cracking is caused by pressure on the outside of the foundation wall below grade. Most often, the cause is improper back-filling, but expansive soil and frost are also possible causes.
Roofs are typically built from trusses or stick built rafters. Stick built rafters will typically have collar ties installed. Collar ties connect opposing rafters and are typically placed in the top third of the attic spaces. Collar ties hold the rafters down against the ridge board and, to an extent, help prevent rafter spread. Home inspectors should take note of attics without collar ties, especially where the rafters run perpendicular to the joists. Collar ties of 1×4 (often 2×4) are required every 4 feet where joists are not parallel to the rafters.
Having your home inspected prior to purchasing is one of the most important items of the transaction. You want to protect yourself from shoddy workmanship or major problems with your homes systems. A house is comprised of many diffferent products installed by various tradesmen and sometimes do-it-yourself type renovators. To ensure Peace of Mind in your next Real Estate transaction use the Barrie Home Inspector for your protection and Peace of Mind. If you have a wood burning appliance then contact www.wett-inspection.com for your insurance companies required WETT Certification.
Learn more about Barrie’s Premier Home Inspector. Stop by Barrie’s WETT Inspection’s site where you can find out all about Barrie WETT Inspections for your insurance requirements.