Pictures of exterior defects discovered during a home inspection

Cracks can be observed at mortar, or brick,
exterior wall. There is no deflection of
the wall visible at this time. Significant
cracks, like the one pictured, need immediate
attention due to possible wall, foundation and
settlement problems. All buildings settle with
minor wall and foundation cracking visible
at some point.
Repairs will be recommended.

Appears to be an SE cable strung through
a weather tight fitting connected to an
electrical meter or disconnect box (evident
by the greenish colored power companies
tamper/safety clip sitting next to the fitting
showing that the box has been tampered
with) on the exterior of a brick home.
The rubber grommet looks to be too large
for the SE cable running through it.
Recommend evaluation and repair by licensed,
qualified contractor.

In this picture, due to poor design, what is
commonly referred to as Texture 111 plywood
siding is dry rotting. The horizontal strip
catches and holds moisture that is channeled
by the grooves in the plywood. Damage is
caused by failing to keep the seams and
voids sealed.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of poor maintenance by
allowing a drainage channel to become blocked
and contaminate the siding, also in failure to
keep the siding painted or sealed.
Repairs will be recommended.

This picture is a prime example of poor
design and poor workmanship because the
conduits are crimped and the absence of an
approved flashing will literally direct water
into the residence, contaminating whatever
is beyond the brick.
Repairs will be recommended.

This picture shows poor design and installation
of siding which prevents examination, or
evaluation, of the chimney walls; may possibly
be concealing damage.
Repairs will be recommended.

This picture depicts dry rot due to inadequate
flashing and/or poor maintenance.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of dry rot, due to inadequate
flashing and/or poor maintenance.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, negative grading may cause
threatening moisture damage to the structure.
Soil should slope away from a structure to a
distance of six feet.
Repairs will be recommended.

Pictured here, this door jamb is badly dry
rotted or termite damaged.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture the brick veneer has moved,
causing possible structural damage.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture foliage, acting similar to an
ice-dam, causes damage to the roof and eaves.
Repairs will be recommended.

Pictured here, structural movement due to
the absence of connecting hardware, may
indicate that the structure was not installed
by a licensed contractor or was installed
without a building permit.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture termite and/or dry rot damage
is due to inadequate maintenance. Negative
grading in the immediate area may have
contributed to the damage also.
Repairs will be recommended.

Due to amateur installation and inadequate
mortar base, movement has occurred, as seen here.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, moisture damage is a result
of the absence of a leader at the downspout.
Also, inadequate provisions for drainage, in
the surrounding area, ,can lead to water
accumulation which then leads to water damage.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of a compressed and possibly
blocked downspout with poor design that
directs water onto the wooden deck and
steps. The downspout should be turned to
discharge away from wood surfaces.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, we see evidence of free-standing
water against the house footing due to negative
grading, that possibly results in moisture-related
problems.
Repairs will be recommended.

Due to inadequate anchor or sleeve, this lag
screw was able to be pulled loose, causing
potential safety hazard.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of rust damage due to
negative grading or poor maintenance.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of a wall leaning slightly
beyond its center of gravity, possibly due
to an insubstantial footing or to pressure
building up from behind the wall, which
may not have weep-holes at its base or
some other drainage provision to relieve
pressure from behind.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, a diseased or rotten tree limb
is threatening the roof and residence.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of moisture damage to the
siding, due to poor maintenance.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, the dryer vent is missing
several back draft fins and is clogged with
lint, which is a potential fire hazard.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of termite and/or dry rot
damage, due to poor maintenance.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, termite and/or dry rot
damage is due to poor maintenance.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of a significant roof leak
that has damaged the boxed eaves.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, there is no flashing to protect
the wood from the roof run-off.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of an amateur guardrail or
handrail that is causing a safety hazard.
Repairs will be recommended.

Due to poor grading, inadequate flashing and
little or no maintenance, termite or, more
likely, dry rot damage may occur.
Repairs will be recommended.

Open grout joints from movement, or settling,
result in cosmetic damage, if the bricks are
veneer; structural damage if they are not,
due to poor grading, inadequate flashing
and little or no maintenance.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, open grout joints from movement,
or settling, result in cosmetic damage if the
bricks are veneer; structural damage if they
are not.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of open grout joints from
movement, or settling, that result in cosmetic
damage if the bricks are veneer; structural
damage if they are not.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of a dry rot damaged fascia
board, at what appears to be a discharge
point of a design-flaw, or point at which water
must change direction to leave the roof, and
where there is no gutter bucket and
downspout to receive it.
Repairs will be recommended.

In this picture, a tree in need of maintenance
is threatening the roof and residence.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of a tree in need of maintenance
that is threatening the roof and residence.
Repairs will be recommended.

Due to amateur installation and inadequate
mortar base, there is movement.
Repairs will be recommended.

This is a picture of an environmental and
safety hazard. Recommend removal.

Olympian Home Services
www.OlympianCares.com

Pictures by Doug Edwards