What Is Spalling?

What is Spalling? Spalling is a term used to describe masonry deterioration in brick and or stone products due to moisture absorption or entry. Spalling (Broken or damaged brick surface) is more commonly seen on chimneys although foundations, retaining walls, sidewalks and driveways are also susceptible.
Moisture Problems? Chimneys that have moisture problems are normally found to have one or more of the following issues, the most common is that they are missing the rain/snow cap or have cracked chimney crowns and or improper flashings; these are some common causes of moisture entry on chimneys which can result in water entry including the spalling of masonry products. The freeze/thaw cycle of our northern climate is quick to cause this spalling damage with very little moisture entry required… Locating and correcting the area of moisture entry and repairing chimney brick spalling can be achieved by applying a breathable sealant which can slow or stop the effects of spalling. Our home inspectors constantly find chimneys in need of repair, especially on older homes. This is because the chimney is the one feature of a home that is constantly exposed to all the weather elements and therefore it’s more likely to suffer.
Chimney water damage is accelerated by deterioration from the freezing and thawing of moisture that has penetrated the masonry surface causing the chimney brick spalling and deterioration. This moisture entry can also cause interior damage to your chimney and possibly home. Clues to look for are: Mortar joints in need of repair, Spalled or broken brick surfaces, rusting inside the fire box or damper assembly.
Installing a rain or snow cap with screening is highly recommended not only to protect the inner flu but also the screen acts as a spark arrester and can prevent nesting.
Regular inspection and keeping the chimney crown well maintained and free from cracking and deterioration will ensure good protection from water entry. Most chimney crowns are made with mortar and quickly develop shrinkage cracks. Yearly maintenance will prolong the crowns life.
Because brick material is porous it will absorb water like a sponge and can wick moisture right through to the interior.  Water proofing products now exist that allow the brick to release moisture but not absorb it. Consulting a reputable professional contractor is highly recommended before attempting any repairs or preventative maintenance
Vegetation close to or in contact with brick surfaces can increase the brick moisture retention and cause moisture absorption related damages such as spalling and keeping vegetation trimmed back is important to allow ventilation. All other exterior masonry areas, including steps/stoops, patios/porches, walks and driveways can be porous and will allow moisture to be absorbed resulting in spalling. Monitoring these areas and performing preventative maintenance are crucial to prevent deterioration.

Animals In The Attic?

At this time of the year, before it becomes too hot outside, take the time to go into your attic to see what’s in it. Although you may have storage items in your attic, that may not be all there is. Recently, we were on a home inspection in New Albany when we found a huge nest in the attic. Nest in attic are  usually caused by either a squirrel or birds nesting in the attic that have found access to your attic. If you find a situation like the one in this picture, most likely you have something other than your family living in your home. While wearing rubber gloves, clean up the debris and be sure to look for any signs of entry and be sure to seal the point of entry with some wire to assure that this won’t happen again.

Nest in Attic:

What Is Asbestos

In Indiana & Kentucky, Asbestos is still a concern for this Indiana Home Inspector! If you have questions on asbestos, don’t hesitate to call us with your questions at 1-866-417-9591 or schedule your home inspection
online today! Certainty Home Inspections performs inspections in Southern Indiana and Louisville

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What Is Asbestos? Asbestos is made from fibrous minerals and was widely used in many products because of its strength and tolerance to high temperatures and chemicals. Commonly found in older home construction materials.

On the exterior, asbestos shingles and siding were often applied and although the asbestos cement shingles are less commonly found these days, the asbestos siding has proven very durable and quite resilient. The asbestos cement siding has no health concerns unless pulverized to create dust or burned to release fumes.

Homes of 1930 through the 1950s construction are commonly found to have asbestos or (vermiculite) insulation. Other interior asbestos uses included floor coverings; these are typically square tiles or vinyl sheets applied with an adhesive backing. Plumbing supply and drain pipe insulation, this usually has a white canvas type covering over a fibrous insulation material. Flue pipe and heating distribution insulation, somewhat resembles white surgical tape and most commonly seen on metal distribution pipes for the heating system, as it was used to seal junctions and connections of the piping,. Ceiling tiles and wall coverings, normally found in suspended ceiling tiles and wall paint and patching or repair material. Use of these materials was banned in 1977. Gas fire place embers and ashes and old stove- pads may contain asbestos. Asbestos paper, or cement compounds were used to protect the floor and wall around wood stoves.

Not so fast though, identifying asbestos material is not so easy and visual examination alone is not always reliable. This means sampling and lab analysis will be required to confirm the presence of asbestos.  Taking samples your self is never recommended. Most reputable home inspection firms provide certified sampling professionals who know what to look for and how to reduce risks while extracting a sample and can provide you with lab results within 72 hours.

In fact, the EPA states that when you’re in doubt about the material you should treat it as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. This is because sampling done incorrectly can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Material that is not deteriorated, damaged or hat is not going to be physically disturbed, should be left alone.

Although we always recommend that sampling should be done, we have had home buyers decide not to have a sample analyzed, choosing to encapsulate this material on the heating distribution pipes by tapping over it with common duct tape, only to be denied service from a local heating and air duct cleaning company. Upon discovering the possible asbestos tape, the cleaning company refused service.

If you choose to live with suspect asbestos materials you’ll want to be cautious not to cause damage or disturb it in any way. If it is or becomes damaged avoid being in the immediate area don’t clean up any debris from the damaged area and be careful not to track it inside. Consulting a professional for repair or removal of the material is recommended. Keeping in mind that removal posses risks of exposure and can be expensive and sometimes required by state regulations when remodeling.

For more information on asbestos, please visit the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)

Damage From Carpenter Ants

Carpenter ant damage in styrofoam insulation.
When this is happening you can hear the ants chewing the insulation and spitting it out. This is one of the things t hat show that carpenter ants do not digest the material that they are chewing. They do the same thing in wood. They are making galleries where they can put their larvae and pupa until they hatch out into ants. This kind of damage has now been found in Icynene Insulation. Carpenter ants certainly have the ability to chew Icynene.

Overgrown Vegetation

Keeping vegetation trimmed back from a structure helps avoid moisture related concerns, staining of the siding and keeps thieves from having a place to hide. Avoid promoting insect infestation by keeping the shrubs trimmed around your home. By removing these unwanted shrubs and trees, you’ll give your home the ventilation it needs to avoid these unwanted problems, keeping your home safe. Your Kentuckiana home inspector will most likely point this minor problem out to you when you have your home inspection performed on your new Kentuckiana real estate.

 

Louisville Inspector Talks About Brick Veneer Siding

Masonry brick adds value to a home because it has a solid, durable reputation, however many brick homes built within the last few decades aren’t actually constructed of brick. Though solid-brick homes are sturdy, they are very expensive include lots of labor. Brick veneer was created for this reason.

Brick Versus Brick Veneer?

Most importantly, it is not a structural element of the home. True “brick homes” are constructed block-upon-block to hold up the house, whereas brick veneer siding is held up by the house itself. It is real masonry, but like any other siding, it is simply a single layer overlaying the original wooden framework of a house. Using small metal ties, this faux “brickwork” is secured to the home, allowing for a small gap of air between the pre-existing exterior wall and the new exterior facade.

How do you tell the difference?

The easiest way to know the difference is to see when the house was built. If it was constructed within the last 40 years, there’s a good chance it’s not solid-brick. Also, look at the masonry pattern. Solid-brick will run lengthwise (horizontal), with occasional rows where the blocks will be installed so you can only see their ends—this irregular crisscross pattern ensures durable structural integrity. Plus, around windows there will be reinforced arches with the blocks, again, facing in towards the house to reinforce the opening. But brick veneer siding will almost always run lengthwise since they don’t perform any structural responsibility.

Need To Know

Brick veneer siding retains some of the benefits of solid-brick. It is durable and fireproof, which can possibly save you some money on your insurance premiums. Also, masonry is a great way to provide natural insulation against the winter cold and summer heat. But unlike solid-brick, brick veneer siding is an even better insulator because it traps air within the gap between the two exterior walls.

Precautions

Although the masonry itself won’t rot, because there is that small gap between the two walls, moisture can get trapped and cause problems. Additionally, weep holes are often created to ventilate this gap. Plus, brick is porous, so when it rains, water can seep between the block and mortar, creating damage to your home’s exterior. Therefore, when installed, a water-resistant surface must be placed over the home’s original framework to prevent moisture build-up and mold from entering your house.

How To Install

Call a masonry contractor when needing to install brick veneer siding and leave it to the experts.

This Southern Indiana and Louisville Home Inspector performs home inspections on both sides of the river.

SSSSSOOO! What’s Living In Your Attic?

SSSSOOOO! What’s living in your attic?

Do you have an automatic mouse exterminator calling himself “At Home”  or maybe its a bird or squirrel building nests and saying this is it, my new home!   Its not uncommon  in Indiana and Kentucky to find nesting, snake skins or other unwanted pests in attics.  Whatever it is, when Certainty Home Inspections inspects your attic, your sure to know that the problem exists.  If the attic is accessible, we’ll inspect it and tell you exactly what we see lurking in your attic.  We don’t just stick our head in the attic, we walk it, if possible, so that we can see all possible concerns, even the unwanted ones.

Above Left: The only evidence this Snake left behind      Above right: Nest found in an attic

Right: A Snake was trapped trying to enter the soffitt to get into the attic.  Snakes will enter attics due to weather conditions, to find food such as mice and birds and for the heat of the attic.

To book your home inspection and have your attic checked for unwanted pests call Certainty Home Inspections today at 1-866-417-9591

Whats inside your electric panel?

Your electric panel is checked for double tapping and  burnt wiring but who would think to look  for rodents.   Mice are  small enough to get inside  your electric panel  causing a fire hazard that is unknown to you unless you have it inspected by a qualified, licensed, and experienced home inspector. 

Kentuckiana Crawl Space Findings:

Is your crawl space in good shape?

Having a professional home inspection done by a licensed home inspector in Indiana can uncover many different issues in the crawl space area including the following:

Cracked Floor Joist and Band Boards

Standing Water

Plumbing Issues

Termites and Damage

Structural Issues

Rodent Infestation

Certainty Home Inspections services New Albany, Jeffersonville, Clarksville, Sellersburg, Floyd Knobs, Georgetown, Salem, Madison, Bedford, and Seymour areas.  To book your inspection today call 866-417-9591.

Termites In Kentuckiana

Termite Facts :

• Live for 15 years
• Have 4 wings
• Lay 1 egg every 15 seconds
• Burrow tiny mud tunnels to a source of wood
• Leave sawdust near windows
• Enjoy wood resulting from leaky plumbing
• Can destroy entire house in about 2-3 years
• Found in every U.S. state except Alaska
• Help the food chain by recycling wood for the soil

It is often difficult to determine the difference between termites and ants. Termites have two pair of wings (front and back) and are of almost equal length. Ants also have two pair of wings but the fore wings are much larger than the hind wings.

Also, termites have relatively straight antennae while ants have elbowed antennae.

• Ants generally do not swarm at the same time as termites, but it can happen.
• Termites have a thick waist and ants have a narrow waist
• Termites have straight antennae and ants have elbowed antennae
• Termites have four wings that are all equal in length
• Ants have four wings, however, two are larger and two are smaller

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