WALL SYSTEM INSPECTIONS

How to properly inspect wood and masonry wall systems and window frames

 

You inspect a wall system by looking at it, and through a bit of ‘slap and tickle’. Like most structural elements, if it moves when loaded, that’s a bad thing. For example, if you push on a brick wall, and it moves – which they sometimes do – work is likely required to stabilize the wall assembly.

Wood elements are different.

At Safe Homes Canada, we have heard that some inspectors perform three, four or even five inspections per day. There are a number of reasons why we perform only two inspections per day, per inspector. One of the reasons relates to the work required to properly assess the wood around windows at a home, and other wood elements, like siding.

There is only one way – as far as we know – to properly inspect wood around windows; to prod it (gently and carefully) with a knife. Sometimes the wood appears sound and well-preserved by paint, but when a knife is forced against the wood significant moisture decay is revealed.

We inspected a giant home in the Caledon area recently where the wood around the windows had been recently – and masterfully – painted. After poking and prodding the wood, we found ninety-one rotted windows. Obviously, some inspections go better than others!!

We feel our job includes placing a ladder at all the higher level windows so the wood can be prodded. It takes a little longer, but we find that most buyers would rather we do it that way.

Just because an eager inspector or homeowner can see a settlement/stress crack, or a control joint-like crack at a masonry wall, does not mean that crack needs to be sealed. Often, the efforts of non-professionals leaves a wall scarred by giant gobs of caulking. If a crack is really wide, say a quarter inch or wider, give or take, invite a qualified masonry specialist to carry out a proper mortar repair. That person should be able to match the mortar colour fairly accurately.

The key at all wall systems, after confirming their stability, is to maintain (or reinstate) a full seal at the building envelope, most notably at all joints and junctions. Joints that are too wide to caulk require flashings or mouldings. All exterior wood must be vigilantly preserved to prevent moisture decay.

Call us for a wall system inspection and we'll deliver a comprehensive report on these critical structures of the home before you buy.

All of our inspection reports are custom-typed, in common language, by civil engineering or architectural technology graduates who are also Registered Home Inspectors.