Hairline Foundation Crack
I just looked at a house that has one Hairline foundation crack. Home inspector said it was caused by gutter drain pipes draining right next to foundation of the house; they do not drain into the sewer. He said to extend gutter drain pipes to drain 2 feet away from house. Basement is dry and has no dampness as att. Could a hirline foundation crack be an issue; this house is 100 years old, and is in good shape; mainlyhas stright floors.
Hey Bill,
As an inspector, I consider hair line cracks and by that I mean cracks of 1/16" or less a cosmetic issue and will advise on the report to repoint them. For a house that is over a hundred year old, it is very presumptious of the inspector to tie the drain issue and the cracks together.
The drain issue is legit and should be addressed but it is normal to have shrinkage and movement cracks on a house that has seen its share of weather, frost and thaw changes etc. unders it foundation.
When cracks become larger and then 1/8" while extending to the bottom of the footer, I become concerned.
It sounds like this house is just old and needs repointing.
regards
NC_Yank
Just curious, where is this foundation crack? I can not picture where it would be in 100 year old house. I am from FL and am use to cement slabs, but realize that they were not used 100 years ago. Here our older houses have piers, joists and subfloors. Do not understand where the crack would be located.
Also, what is "repointing"?
I assumed that it was brick............I have done so many inspections here in NC where homes of that age are brick,
was not thinking about the north.
Coming from the north.......I try not to think to much about what goes on beyond the mason dixon line...............except that I am not freezing my tail off anymore.. (laugh)
NC
The expansion space is around the perimeter of the area you covering. This applies to all floors.
When installing laminate flooring, and Im talking about the ones you have to use a hammer or mallet and lightly tap in place, it is common for there to be a slight swelling around the joints.........however this will eventually lay down.
NC_Yank
Yes, you must allow an expansion space around the entire perimeter of the room. That is why laminate flooring uses spacers. If you do not, guaranteed, the floor will raise up at some point, because it is attempting to expand and can not find the space at the walls. This will cause problems on wearing down the road, if not sooner. Depending on the product, the space is usually between 1/4" and 5/8".