Home > Inspectors Blog > Structural

Structural

Eliminating Ice Dams
Ice Dam

Ice Dam

Ice dams can be a problem this time of year here in the Rochester area.  Snow melts on the roof and freezes at the eaves leaving a dam. Continued melting will pool up behind the dam and has the potential to seep under your shingles, resulting in water damage to both the roof deck, as well as the walls and ceilings.  During this home inspection I discovered that most all of the insulation from the roof deck had fallen loose in the partial attic section of this story and a half home. In addition, there was no insulation on the interior knee wall, and very little insulation in the ceiling area.  The problem results in heat escape to the roof deck, causing the snow melt. 

Missing Insulation

The recommendation here is to hire an insulation contractor to provide adequate insulation to the affected areas to increase insulation efficiency and eliminate the ice damming.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Wednesday, January 6th, 2010.
Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Inspectors Blog, Roofing, Structural

Bowed Basement Wall
YouTube Preview Image

When a basement wall starts to crack, and those cracks open up horizontally, it can be a sign that the wall is being pushed inward.  Many times the horizontal cracks will line up with the frost line in the outside soil. 

 It’s no secret that the soil freezes in the winter time here in Southeastern MN.  The frost expands the soil and presses against the wall, causing a lateral load. This lateral load can cause the wall to bow inward.  Unstable soils, expansive clay, compressible, or improperly compacted soil can be a basement’s worst enemy.  

 Fortunately it is possible to rescue a bowed basement wall.  There are companies in the Rochester area that can install an anchor system that can stabilize and pull bowed walls back into place.  After a careful inspection and analysis, these companies can design a system that will resolve the problem for a fraction of the cost of total replacement.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009.
Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Basement, Structural

Foundation Shift
YouTube Preview Image

This video shows the impact of hydraulic forces on a basement wall.  What are hydraulic forces…Water and frost pressures. 

During this home inspection, after noting the excessive cracking in the bathroom, I found that the wall had shifted in ¾- 1 inch below the top course of block.  Over time, water pressure, frost, and potentially expansive soils lead to this wall moving inward. 

The good thing is, there are companies in the Rochester and Southeastern MN area that can install an anchor system that will pull the wall back into the correct position, and stabilize it from future movement.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Saturday, July 18th, 2009.
Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Inspectors Blog, Structural

Proper Drainage Around the Home Can Prevent Wet Basements

 Did you know that a 1″ rainfall results in 623 gallons of water per 1000 square feet of roof?  Controlling water above ground can prevent water from getting into your basement.

Routing water away from the foundation is the first step in preventing basement wetness problems.   Making sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear of debris will ensure that they are functioning properly.  Extensions on the downspouts will move water away from the structure.

Just like your roof is sloped to shed water, the soil and any driveway/patio slabs around your foundation should be sloped for the same reason.  The soil, and sometimes slabs next to the foundation often settles after a home is built.  This causes the water that hits the side of the house to run toward and settle against the foundation.  Soils that are saturated with water will increase the soil pressure on the basement walls, which can lead to basement wetness, cracks, shifts, bowing and other potential structural problems.

A minimum of 2 inches rise to every 6 feet of run will help to divert water away from the foundation.  In some cases it is necessary to place impermeable sheeting under the soils or decorative material near the foundation.

Make sure that window wells are constructed correctly, with drains linked to the foundation drains. Soil elevation in the window well should be several inches below the bottom of the window and sloped to the drain. A drainpipe filled with gravel is a common way to create the drain.

Most home inspections find that the dampness in basements can usually be traced back to lack of gutters and downspouts and/or poor drainage at the foundation.   By correcting above-ground problems you can help to prevent structural damage to your home, as well as dry up those basement damp spots.

Rick Erickson, Home Inspector. HomePro Home Inspections. Rochester, Southeastern, MN. 507-202-8942

Posted on Thursday, May 28th, 2009.
Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Structural

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and years of experience with us.  The home inspection and report were very clear.  The information you provided us helped us to make a final decision on purchasing our new home, and we know we are going to love living there.

Jenna and Matt, Dodge Center, MN

We have used Rick twice, once in 2005 when we bought our first home and again this year with the purchase of our second home. He is very professional and thourough. I like how his report is layed out with pictures. I like how he labels all the valves in the home. We never felt that he was in a rush and he came prepared to give us our printed report there on the spot. Rick will point out areas that need repair and suggest ways to fix them. I would recommend him to anyone buying or selling a home.‎

Kristine T. Kasson, MN

Thanks for everything and being willing to go over some extras for us first time home buyers.  It was greatly appreciated.  We will definitely send you some referrals when the time comes

Jennifer F, Rochester, MN

Call and schedule your inspection today 507.202.8942