Improper support
Improper column
From the basement or crawlspace, the home inspector will report on the condition of the supporting structures such as columns and the visible framing overhead.
Columns: Posts and columns are vertical supports that carry the weight of the structure from the girders (or beams) to the ground. Columns transmit the weight to footings below. It is not unusual to find columns or posts put in to support an unusually heavy load such as a piano. These are ancillary supports which need to be evaluated for structural integrity as well.
As per the standards of practice, the inspector needs to identify the materials used in column construction – steel, wood, or masonry. Columns should be inspected for their condition and ability to support the structure above.
- In steel columns, the inspector will look for rust throughout the length of the column. Rusting at the bottom shows water present at the floor level. Rusting higher up may indicate water from above running down the column or unusually high moisture content in the air or condensation.
- In wood posts, the inspector looks for and reports evidence of wood rot and possible insect damage.
- Masonry columns will be inspected for the condition of the mortar and any possible damage to the support column.
The inspector will determine if the column or post is doing a proper job of supporting the structure above:
- He will look for footing problems (or the absence of footings altogether).
- Columns and posts should sit on their own footings and be secured to the beam overhead.
- They should be plumb. A column or post that is out of plumb by over 1/3 its thickness may no longer have its structural integrity.
Inspectors may see shims of metal or hardwood inserted between the beam and column. The shim should be large enough to cover the interface between the beam and column. If it’s too small, the beam or top of the column may be crushed. The inspector will report on damaged or crushed shims.
