One or more combustion appliance exhaust flue(s) did not extend far enough above the roof. To ensure proper and safe operation, exhaust flues should extend at least 3 feet above the roof, and 2 feet above any portion of the roof within 10 feet (measured horizontally). A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The chimney had deteriorated mortar joints at the time of inspection and may require repairs such as “tuck-pointing” or “re-pointing”. This is a common maintenance task for masonry. A qualified contractor should evaluate, then repair or replace as advised prior to the inspection objection deadline.
The roof decking had been damaged or altered. This can affect the overall structural integrity of the roof, and cause the roof to sag or fail in that area.
Trusses are specifically engineered and designed to support the roof and loads placed on it, such as snow. The individual components of a truss — webs, connectors, gusset plates, straps, clips, and fasteners — and all trusses in a roof are designed to perform together as a system. Recommend further evaluation by a licensed roofing contractor and/or structural engineer to determine the effect of the damage or alterations, and options for any necessary repairs.
The insulation is not uniform: thicker in areas, thinner in areas, or possibly missing in some areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The insulation is thinner than current thermal resistance (R-value) standards.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
There appeared to be debris, cardboard, plastic, wood, etc. on the insulation. This configuration could lead to a possible mold environment. The inspector recommends that it be removed.
Ventilation may have been insufficient at the time of the inspection.
Inadequate attic ventilation can cause the attic to overheat, causing heat damage to the roof covering, which results in a decreased life expectancy. Adequate ventilation of the attic will actually help prolong the life expectancy of the roof covering and help stabilize interior temperatures when heating and cooling is in use.
Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate to ensure all attic ventilation is unobstructed and fully functional and/or install additional ventilation as needed.
Bathroom vent duct terminated in the attic and did not vent to the exterior of property.
The wall was bowed or bulges in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Siding showed cracking and or damage in one or more places. Recommend monitoring, and if the problem exacerbates, a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The siding and/or trim was damaged in areas of the exterior.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
Peeling paint was present in areas.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
Gaps at intersections of the siding, trim, and door and window openings, as well as any other holes in the siding, should be sealed with an appropriate sealant to prevent water penetration into the wall system. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A common maintenance task for brick masonry is the repair of mortar joints. The longevity of mortar joints will vary with the exposure conditions and the mortar materials used, but a life span of more than 25 years is typical. The longevity of brick, however, may well exceed 100 years. Consequently, occasional repair of the mortar joints is expected over the life of the brick masonry. It is our observation that the most common reason for repointing brick masonry is to improve water penetration resistance. Repointing deteriorated mortar joints is one of the most effective and permanent ways of decreasing water entry into brickwork. This is because the most common means of water entry into a brick masonry wall is through de-bonded, cracked or deteriorated mortar joints. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair all areas as necessary.
Components of the eaves, facia, and/or soffit was warped, swollen, or had peeling paint which are signs of water damage. The materials will eventually begin to rot if left untreated or cause has not been corrected.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The paint was peeling or cracking in one or more areas of the eaves.
Recommend a qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
It Wasp nest is present at the time of inspection. Recommend removing by qualified contractor.
A window frame, still, shutter, and/or trim was had missing or damaged paint. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The property had basement windows at grade level without window wells installed. This could allow water intrusion into property at this point. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.
There were signs of moderate cracking on the walkway(s) in areas. Cracks that progress to a separation of 1/4″ and more would be an indication of settlement, heaving, or structural problems. Cracks may present a tripping hazard. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair as necessary.
The retaining wall was damaged or deteriorated.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
One or more exterior faucet was loose in the wall. The faucet should be securely fastened to the wall using appropriate screws depending on the material at the location of the faucet. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The exterior foundation wall had cracks at the corner. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary. Axium recommends our premier partner – Level Engineering. They can be contacted at 720-706-8540 or online at www.axiuminspections.com/structural-engineer.
The visible concrete foundation wall surface was damaged or deteriorated in areas. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The exterior foundation wall appears to have cracks on the surface, or outer portion of concrete. Minimum recommendation is to monitor for any advancement in the defect. Overall recommendation is to have a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace as needed.
The dryer vent had a flap that was stuck open. The clothes dryer vent may be clogged which is a potential fire hazard. This may also allow rodents or insects to enter the interior. Recommend qualified contractor should evaluate and clean, repair, or replace as necessary.
A support post was not properly rested on a concrete footer or missing metal connection hardware. This may put the wood in direct contact with the moisture on the ground and accelerate any potential deterioration.
A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A support post was leaning at the deck. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Flashing was missing at the ledger board. This flashing problem may allow water to enter into the wall cavity or building components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A stairway of more than 3 steps or drop of over 30″ was missing a handrail.
4.21.1 – Roof Drainage – Downspouts & Extensions
Downspouts were damaged in areas of property. This condition may cause problems by introducing excessive amounts of moisture to the soil beneath the foundation. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The carpet was stained in areas. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The food waste disposer was missing the wiring connector (clamp and bushing). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An outlet did not provide Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protection. Although GFCI protection of circuits may not have been required at the time in which this home was built, safe building practices have improved with the passage of time and building standards have changed to reflect current understanding. The inspector recommends updating the existing electrical circuits to include GFCI protection. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
An electrical outlet was loose in the wall. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
Some caulking in the tub shower area was loose, old, or poorly done. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and re-caulk as needed.
The bathroom exhaust fan was very dirty and possibly clogged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
There was cracking around some windows on the interior (where the window meets the wall). A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
A shower supply arm was loose in the wall. This will cause caulking/sealant to deteriorate at an accelerated rate and may allow water to enter the wall. Over time, this could potentially put added stress on the plumbing connections and develop a leak. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.
The tub spout was loose in the wall. This will cause caulking/sealant to deteriorate at an accelerated rate and may allow water to enter the wall. Over time, this could potentially put added stress on the plumbing connections and develop a leak. Recommend a qualified contractor evaluate and repair or replace it as necessary.
The bathtub was cracked or damaged. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary.
The property water supply pressure measured at the exterior faucet or laundry appliance hose bib. Property water supply pressure exceeded the 80 pounds per square inch (PSI) limit considered the maximum allowable by generally accepted current standards. Excessively high water pressure can stress connections in the plumbing system and appliances is likely to cause leaks.
A qualified contractor should install a pressure regulator or evaluate and repair or replace one as necessary.
The circuit labels were missing, partial, or illegible at the electrical distribution panel. The circuit labels provide information describing the locations each individual circuit breaker provides power too.
Recommend a qualified contractor verify the breakers and accuracy of any existing labeling as necessary.
The water heater was at or beyond its warranty and/or expected life expectancy.
The water heater age was determined by the photo included in this report. According to the U.S. Department of energy, these major appliances are intended to run for between 8 and 12 years. Be advised that every water heater will age differently relative to the following life span factors: water quality, mineral buildup, frequency of flushing, the volume of water utilized, size of the tank, brand, and quality of water heater. Although it was operating at the time of the inspection, the inspector can not determine the remaining life of the water heater.
Pipe fittings at the water heating equipment were corroded. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
The piping to the water heater is missing flex tubing to prevent the piping from breakage in case the concrete floor heaves or settles.
The cooling system turned on but did not operate as expected by producing adequate conditioned cooled air. An ambient air test was performed to determine if the difference in temperatures of the supply and return air was between 14 degrees and 22 degrees. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair/replace as necessary.