Foundation Inspection Columbus, Ohio

Columbus' New Foundation Inspection

A solid home begins with a properly designed and built foundation. Any problems with the foundation will undermine the integrity of the entire home and lead to major problems. While a foundation may appear like a simple structure, it actually relies on complex engineering. There are a variety of essential components that combine to provide the perfect strength and stability to suitably support a home for years to come. An inspector will be able to identify any potential complications and help buyers and sellers avoid expensive repairs.

Foundation Structure

When it comes to verifying the integrity of a foundation, an inspector will look at several construction factors, including:

• Have the footers been placed at the proper depth?
• Are the footers located within the appropriate distance from the foundation walls?
• Are the walls precisely centered on the footers?
• Have the foundation walls been constructed using the optimal materials?
• Are the foundation walls the right thickness to handle existing soil conditions?
• Have the concrete reinforcements been properly installed?
• Have anchor bolts been used when necessary and properly installed?
• Foundation standards vary according to different climates and soil conditions. This is why it is important to work with an inspector who is familiar with the Central Ohio area.

Waterproofing

Moisture is the number one enemy of a foundation, which is why inspectors pay close attention to waterproofing. A residential foundation should include an application of cement and also an additional layer of a bituminous material or other waterproofing membrane. These measures are especially important in areas where a combination of factors create a high risk for water to come into contact with the foundation. The inspector will make sure the right protections are in place and confirm there aren’t any existing signs of water damage before approving the foundation.

Venting

The International Residential Code has clear standards for installing vents in a foundation. For example, the code dictates that for every 150 square feet of space, a one square foot vent must be installed. In addition, a vent must be placed within three feet of every corner. An inspector will ensure both of these requirements are being met so air can flow through the home and help combat moisture and other ventilation related problems.

Cracks and Signs of Foundation Movement

If there is damage to the foundation or there has been significant movement, the signs can be fairly clear and visible. Not only will cracks appear in the actual foundation and exterior masonry, there will also be cracks throughout the interior of the home. An inspector will look for any cracks above doors and windows and across the ceiling. Buckled floors, loose moldings and doors that no longer open and close properly are also signs that the foundation has experienced too much movement and may be susceptible to additional problems. A seasoned inspector will go beyond examining exterior cracks and be able to determine whether cracks are a symptom of normal settling or a sign of a larger issue that should be addressed immediately.

Lot Grading and Drainage

Protecting a home’s foundation from moisture begins with proper grading and drainage. Every effort should be made to ensure water is directed away from the home and is not able to pool around the foundation. This can mean changing the topography of the surrounding land to create slopes that direct water away from the home. The solution can be as simple as forming a swale, or shallow ditch next to the foundation walls in order to control the flow of water.

It is also important to install gutters and downspouts around the exterior of the roof. These simple devices will collect rainwater and make sure that it is directed a safe distance away from the house. Without these additions, rainwater will simply run off the edge of the roof and pool at the foundation.

While it is impossible to prevent any moisture from reaching the foundation, it is important to take the necessary steps to reduce risk as much as possible. Poor lot grading and drainage can cause wood damage, which can create the perfect environment for insect infestations and saturated soil that will shift the entire home. Taking precautionary steps during the construction process can protect the integrity of the home and prevent damage to the foundation.

As a general rule, any land that is adjacent to the foundation walls must have a certain slope. In Ohio, the standard is a slope rate of one inch per foot for a total length of at least six feet. This is enough to adequately direct water away from the home and is a major item on the checklist of our inspectors. If this level of slope doesn’t naturally occur, then gravel and soil needs to be added. While this might sound like a hassle, adding a little dirt is much easier than dealing with a water-logged home and crumbling foundation down the road.