Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Jim Dull's Avatar
    Jim Dull Guest

    Default Foundation Questions

    This inspection was a house from 1907. The foundation is poured concrete with concrete bricks sitting on top. The bricks seem fine but I do have questions about the poured concrete. It is very thick and is deteriorating in some places. There is every kind of crack in the book. However, the house has not shifted and everything seems sturdy. There is no evidence of water penetration. Wood piers are dry and not rotted. There is no sign of rust.
    The inspection was for the sellers and they state there has been no leaks during the four years they have lived there. Should I just recommend review and repair by a specialist?

    Similar Threads:
    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Member Benefits1

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Philadelphia PA
    Posts
    3,177

    Default Re: Foundation Questions

    Jim - Are you sure that's poured concrete and not just parged stone? Those cracks look more like typical cracks in parging. 100 years is pretty old for poured concrete.

    "There is no exception to the rule that every rule has an exception." -James Thurber, writer and cartoonist (1894-1961)
    www.ArnoldHomeInspections.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
    Posts
    5,851

    Default Re: Foundation Questions

    I tend to agree with John, it looks like a parge coat.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  4. #4
    David Banks's Avatar
    David Banks Guest

    Default Re: Foundation Questions

    The first pic looks like a junction of an addition with two different type block.
    I agree with John. I do not see poured concrete.


  5. #5
    David Macy's Avatar
    David Macy Guest

    Default Re: Foundation Questions

    What is the purpose of the parge coating?


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: Foundation Questions

    Its kind on like "make-up" used by women.

    It covers up the uglies.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Corpus Christi, TX
    Posts
    615

    Default Re: Foundation Questions

    It's a thin layer of (usually) Portland cement used to cover blemishes and to make the perimeter more aesthetically pleasing.

    Termite inspectors love seeing them. It is my understanding that it makes the perfect protection for thermites to conceal and protect tubes.

    The only reason some people get lost in thought is because it's unfamiliar territory.
    - Paul Fix

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Re: Foundation Questions

    That first pic looks like typical differential settlement of a older structure and an newer addition, often the differential settlement slows considerably after the first few years once the soil below the addition has compacted. The second looks like parging.


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •