Olympian Home, Building, Condominium & Apartment Inspection
Inspector D. Kanakis 718-833-1252  ~  www.olympiancares.com

Pictures of exterior defects

 
 
 
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.
 
 
 
 
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, Building, Condominium & Apartment Inspection
Inspector D. Kanakis 718-833-1252  ~  www.olympiancares.com

 

 

 

Pic by Doug Edwards