Foreclosure Inspection - Siding Inspection
Types of siding
Material used: -- Wood Asbestos-Cement (mineral fiber) -- Aluminum □ Stucco -- EIFS -- Veneer -- Masonry -- Vinyl
Inspection of siding
When inspecting siding, check if the siding pieces from different walls match at the corners and elsewhere. If they do not align this may be an indication of a structural problem, settlement or bad base under it.
Reasons for rusted nails:
- Nails are not galvanized or aluminum.
- Wood under siding is rotted.
- Entrapped moisture underneath.
- Inspection of wood shingles and shakes
- Rust and deterioration due to iron nails (aluminum and galvanized nails must be used to avoid rust)
Condition: -- Cracked, chipped, or missing shingles -- Insect damage, including termites and other wood-destroying animals
Used in new constructions as a relatively maintenance-free protection in areas where termite infestation is a problem.
Condition: -- Cracked, chipped, or missing pieces -- No electrical grounding at the bottom (many counties require)
Do you see small holes on the under lip of the siding for releasing the moisture underneath? -- Yes -- No. Further check for water damage under the siding material.
Inspection of asbestos-cement shingles
Used as siding material on older houses in different colors. They are free from rot, fire, and termite.
Condition: Cracked, chipped, or missing pieces observed? -- Yes -- No.
Inspection of stucco
Popular in California and other southern states. Made of cement, lime, and sand in different colors. No painting needed in the beginning as stucco has its own color. Resistant to termite and fungus.
-- Minor cracks --> seal it. -- Major cracks --> contact licensed contractor.
Inspection of EIFS
EIFS = (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) = Synthetic version of stucco): No building paper behind its surface. Problem: May keep moisture behind and water cannot get out. New EIFS material has drainage systems but difficult to identify during inspection.
-- Moisture observed --> use moisture meter, if available.
-- Minor cracks --> Seal it. -- Major cracks --> Replace.
Inspection of veneer walls
They have their own support. Use bricks that have low water absorption in cold areas. Waterproofing the bricks also helps.
Damaged brick wall was patched with cement and some still missing pieces.
Examine cement between bricks carefully to make sure that it is intact and hard. Synthetic sealers may have been used to repair cracked, soft and falling cement.
Type: -- Brick (concrete or clay) -- Split stone.
-- Weep holes to allow water drain away not observed. (Weep holes are at 4th and 5th vertical joints)
-- Cracks and chipped bricks around the doors and windows are more common. Settlement creates diagonal cracks.
Bulging? Bulging is a serious problem and requires inspection by a structural engineer depending on its magnitude.
Inspection of masonry walls
-- Insulation quality is not as good as wood-frame wall --> Additional insulation is needed to reduce heat loss.
Material: -- Stone -- Concrete block -- Clay tile -- Brick
Condition: -- Minor cracks around doors and windows --> Seal -- Major cracks and chipping --> Contact licensed building contractor.
-- Efflorescence (white mineral deposits) on bricks --> Common, indication of moisture, not a serious problem.
-- Bulging --> Serious problem --> Recommend inspection by a structural engineer