In the US and Canada, many new houses are built in housing tracts, which provide homeowners a sense of "belonging" and the feeling they have "made the best use" of their money. However, these houses are sometimes built as cheaply and quickly as possible by large builders seeking to maximize profits. Many environmental health issues may be ignored or minimized in the construction of these structures. In one case in Benicia, California, a housing tract was built over an old landfill. Home buyers were never told, and only found out when some began having reactions to high levels of lead and chromium.
Houses are typically supported on a slab on grade (usually refereed to as a floating slab), a crawl space or a full or partial basement. Basements can be constructed of wood, poured concrete or masonry blocks. Poured concrete is becoming the norm for most housing and is far superior for cost and strength.
Balloon or Platform framing are the two common types of framing. Balloon frames in not used anymore due to lack of fire-stopping between floors. Balloon framing is an older method of wood framing that utilizes long, continuous framing members (studs) that run from sill to eaves, with intermediate floor platforms nailed to them. Once popular when long lumber was plentiful, balloon framing has been largely replaced by platform framing. However, balloon framing is growing in popularity again in light-gauge, steel stud construction. For light-gauge steel, long framing members are not as much of an issue. Some electricians prefer working in balloon frame buildings because the lack of fire blocking makes it much easier to add circuits.
Concrete foundations are susceptible to cracking from settling and shrinkage. This are necessarily a sign of structural weakness but a common occurance for concrete. A vertical foundation crack could be due to serious settlement if it is significantly large or shows signs of ongoing movement. If the cause is shrinkage, it is of less concern than if the cracks are a result of settlement. Vertical cracks are not caused by frost. Horizontal cracks are often accompanied by lateral displacement, meaning that one side of the crack is pushed in (or out) further than the other side. In time, and depending on conditions, the wall may begin to bow in and even collapse.
The structural support of a roof is typically provided by either stick built rafters or engineered trusses. Collar tie is a colloquial phrase that you usually won’t find in construction or engineering documentation even though the words are commonly used among builders, architects and homeowners. The correct phrase as used in textbooks and when specified is collar beam. Collar beams are usually installed in the upper third of the roof between opposing rafters.
Having your home inspected prior to purchasing is one of the most important items of the transaction. You want to protect yourself from shoddy workmanship or major problems with your homes systems. A house is comprised of many diffferent products installed by various tradesmen and sometimes do-it-yourself type renovators. To ensure Peace of Mind in your next Real Estate transaction use the Barrie Home Inspector for your protection and Peace of Mind. If you have a wood burning appliance then contact www.wett-inspection.com for your insurance companies required WETT Certification.
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