Hydrostatic pressure refers to the pressures caused by water pushing against slabs and foundations, particularly underground concrete block or poured concrete walls of foundation and crawlspaces. Water is dense and weighs about 60 lbs. per cubic foot of volume and is therefore capable of generating immense hydrostatic pressure on anything that restricts its natural movement or flow.

The weight and pressure of the dry soil may affect and crack a foundation. There is wet soil that can exert a force against a foundation.

Collar Ties

Collar ties span between and connect opposing rafters, and they are typically placed in the top third of the attic spaces. Collar ties hold the rafters down against the ridge board and, to an extent, help prevent rafter spread. Home inspectors should take note of attics without collar ties, especially where the rafters run perpendicular to the joists. Collar ties must be at least 1x4 (nominal) and spaced not more than 4 feet on center. A lack of collar ties may allow roof rafters to separate and cause sagging of the roof's ridge and structure.www.nachi.org

A crack that forms a V-shape may indicate heaving. The illustration above shows a V-shape open crack in a foundation wall indicating heaving from the ground under the foundation footing. The ground in the illustration is expanding and pushing upward on the footing and foundation, causing a crack. This observation by a home inspector would be reported as a major structural concern and defect with correction and further evaluation & repair by a licensed foundation contractor or structural engineer

A brick wall is not necessarily considered to be waterproof. Water can penetrate through a masonry crack that is hairline or as small as 1/100th of an inch (0.3 mm). And masonry exterior-covering materials (siding) is porous and can absorb moisture during a weather event.

inspectors should look for and note:

nearby vegetation

The inspector is required to report vegetation growing near the home according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. The home inspector should note the existence of any trees near the home, because the roots may affect the foundation or underground drainage pipes. Plants growing next to a house could raise the soil level too high against the foundation.

steep slope

The home inspector should note if a home is on a steep slope and, therefore, subject to erosion or movement. The maximum slope of a lot should be roughly 1-in-2.

There are two common styles of wood framing: balloon and platform. The main difference between balloon and platform framing is apparent at the floor lines. The balloon wall studs extend from the sill of the foundation all the way to the top plate of the second floor. The platform framed wall, on the other hand, is independent for each floor.

A slab-on-grade foundation is a type of foundation consisting of a structural concrete slab poured onto the ground, but usually, there is a layer of gravel and a vapor retarder between the ground and concrete. View illustration of a slab-on-grade installation. No accessible space exists in slab-on-grade construction. Slab-on-grade foundations are popular in areas where there is a high water table. For example, there are very few full basements in Southern Florida. In general terms, a slab-on-grade foundation is poured on the grade or ground. complements of InterNachi @ www.nachi.org