Therefore, you can expect a cinder block house to last fewer years. Itd be best to leave the work of installing insulation systems to professionals for you to get the best finish possible. Youll need to apply a damp-proof membrane and waterproofing coating at least once a decade. However, they can be made more durable by adding particular substances. There are 4 types of fiber cement siding you can use. It has five options ranging from external wall replacement (49,500) to full. But they do, and the way that many older block homes are constructed actually makes them more likely to a have a termite infestation thats invisible until major damage has been done. And for advice on proceeding with a house with known structural defects, see our blog post Should I buy a house with structural problems? Piers are usually made with concrete masonry units (commonly called concrete blocks or cinder blocks). Concrete block homes are a healthy choice because it has a lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emittance rating than wood structures. Even if you havent noticed any serious cracks in your home yet, these are some of the common signs to watch out for. What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1970s house? They are lightweight and have a more effortless and quick installation process. Efflorescence - These powdery raised lines or areas in a block wall are caused by moisture accumulation in the wall that leaves behind a mineral deposit as it evaporates on the surface. That is one likely mechanism for the moisture issues, assuming they can't be traced to bulk-water wetting due to absent or poorly implmented flashing, or direct wetting of the exterior of the wall due to minimal roof overhangs, etc. To find out more about lead contamination issues in older homes, see our blog Why is there a lead paint disclaimer in my real estate sales contract? Condensation is one type of moisture to which buildings can potentially be exposed. The seller gave me a report from a previous home inspection. Fillings can be environmentally friendly materials such as clay, slag, and other similar elements. Additionally, you can insulate both the exterior wall and inside wall with vinyl siding. But both have unique advantages that are covered in our article What are the pros and cons of concrete block versus wood frame construction? McGarry and Madsen, We personally prefer concrete block over wood-frame home construction. As the settlement house movement continues, vertical cracks may widen or become uneven as wall sections tilt away from each other, indicating more severe displacement. Concrete block walls are the most common type of wall you will find in a crawl space. Structural damage includes cracked or loosened mortar joints and shifting blocks. Closing off a room makes those closed-off rooms very cold in winter, but the door is not a perfect air seal, and there will be slow steady convection between the cold room and the rest of the house. It can only be a matter of time before they start causing dangerous cracks and foundation failure. Also, see our blog postHow can I tell if the electric receptacle outlets are grounded? This is why these concrete block types are also known as double corner blocks. Also, they are great for forming basements as they have remarkable strength characteristics. Why is the concrete window sill cracking? To know what to look for, read our blog post How do I recognize serious structural problems in a house?. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. The wall is anchored from the bottom of the wall at the slab to the top of the wall. Another benefit of cinder blocks is that they are highly versatile. A site dictates the foundation type to a certain extent, however, and sloping sites often required a combination of a concrete block stem wall on the more sloping part of the ground under the home and slab-on-grade on the flatter area. Some may warrant inspection and can be fixed over time. These blocks have a unique decorative coating on one/or both sides. Many factors determine the longevity of a cinder block house. Concrete Block Wall Cracks: What types of cracks are normal, which are dangerous, and how do you fix them? Consult with a structural engineer if necessary. That really depends. Once they get too bad (a quarter-inch wide or more), you may not be able to refinance or sell your home. >>. A 12" concrete CMU (block) has an R-value of 1.28. But a block wall with stucco finish develops hairline cracks with only minor settlement, and they need to be repaired as they happen to avoid further problems. An amp is a measure of electric power capacity and 60-amps is now hopelessly inadequate. However, block walls come with their own set of problems. for more on this. This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of concrete block and identifies typical problems associated with this material along with common causes of its deterioration. Find out more at What causes raised white lines of residue on a block wall that are crusty and crumbling? McGarry and Madsen, Up to 1946, homes were built one at a time by local craftsmen, using traditional construction methods. I have owned a house with a concrete block foundation and after a few years the home had settled and the blocks split apart at the seams and was very expensive to repair. See our blog post, One final note: your insurance agent will likely request a four point inspection report (also sometimes called a 4-point letter) in order to issue insurance. What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house? The concrete can be prone to defects, leading to structural issues later on. Visit ourCOMMON PROBLEMSpage for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. Should I remove an old whole house fan or keep it? Have a repair expert do a home foundation inspection. Between the rain and melting snow excess water will eat away the foundation of your home and get down to accumulate next to your foundation walls. Hollow blocks have an inherently better capillary break compared to poured concrete or filled blocks, but they have air leakage issues. all 3 are very cheap to buy. The complete source for building, designing, and remodeling green homes. Although modestly labor-saving compared to a home built totally on-site, Sears delivered their last house kit near the end of the war in 1942 due to slack demand. Finding a stair step or diagonal crack zig-zagging up your concrete block wall is an . Few concrete block homes collapse after fires. If you use hollow blocks that need backfilling, it wont be possible to build a high-rising building, as the structure may be too heavy. Foundation work disclosed with life time transferable warranty. VOCs can irritate the throat, eyes, and nose. Predominantly, the quality of blocks influences the longevity of a home. To read about issues related to homesbuilt in a different decade, visit one of these blog posts: What are the common problems of 1920s houses? The key to avoiding this problem, and a very expensive repair, is to keep the walls well sealed and repair any minor cracking as soon as it appears. Concrete homes are also often plain and gray unless a homeowner plans to add facing to the walls or add on a layer of cement that can be painted. Fiber Cement Siding - One of the most durable forms of house siding. These materials, except for vermiculite attic insulation and asbestos pipe insulation, are generally considered acceptable by the EPA and safe, as long as they are not disturbed, but can put dangerous asbestos fibers into the air if drilled, sanded, cut, or otherwise disturbed during any remodeling. But perhaps even less important with a block wall that's not inherently moisture-sensitive the way a wood framed wall is. They indicate there may be dampness and water issues causing cracks you havent noticed yet, or that a newly purchased home has foundation issues and cracks in concrete block walls that have been covered up and hidden temporarily. Will insulating my basement cinder block wall cause freeze thaw crack/ issues in the foundation, Commercial building with formaldahide urea foam in the block. The walls should be basically straight, both up and down and from side to side. Not to mention they are heat-absorbing materials, meaning that itll keep your home cool during summer. What you should look for are cracks larger than about 1/8 across (that you easily can stick two quarters into) and/or that have differential (one side is kicked-out higher than the other), which is usually the result of significant movement. The odds are that your foundation is about to fail. For cinder-block & CMU houses it's usually possible to add continuous rigid foam on the exterior. Check our price for ateam inspection by two FL-licensed contractors and inspectors. What problems should I look for when buying a country house or rural property? For example, its easy and affordable to repair cracks. 7.4K Posts. Basically make your home air tight. Do you have cracks showing in your walls? Mortarless Masonry - Durable wall systems that are supported by mortarless walls. While those low amperages were fine for the electrical loads at the time the home was built, they may be too small for the electric demands installed in homes today, like central air conditioning, range, water heater, dishwasher, ceiling fans, big-screen TV, and multiple kitchen counter appliances. Blocks made from slag concrete have a long service life and high thermal insulation properties, just like bricks. Houses made from cinder blocks do have some drawbacks, including: Overall, the advantages of building a cinder block house override the disadvantages. Increase Thermal Resistance For a typical ICF, the R-value is roughly 20. In addition to above grade precipitates of rain, snow and ice as well as high humidity, several forms of below-grade ground-sourced moisture can also affect building envelopes. and Why is vermiculite attic insulation a problem for both buyers and sellers of a home? This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Dont ignore this. No flaws noted and house passed inspection. These are relatively newer types of blocks. Bulk water is by far the biggest moisture issue, and getting the drain plane & flashing details right is job-1. 3 Regional availability of concrete blocks. See our blog post, Lead was banned by the government in 1978, but almost all of the paint in the forties had high lead content. for the answer to that mystery. Blocks made from slag concrete have a long service life and high thermal insulation properties, just like bricks. Become a GBA Prime member and get full access to GBA articles, enyclopedia, videos, CAD library, and more. A bulge or curve in either a block foundation or a poured concrete wall could signal that the foundation has shifted, or that the soil around your foundation may be expanding and contracting, putting pressure on walls. Therefore, you can expect a cinder block house to last fewer years. Before building a house with cinder blocks, remember that they wont be attractive at first, but the final product will be aesthetically pleasing and unique. The shortened time means a low cost of labor. In other words, houses made of cinder blocks have a long service life. Then Levittown changed housing forever when it opened in 1946 on Long Island, New York. Once again the architect or engineer simply has to specify inexpensive steel reinforcing rods that are inserted into any number of hollow voids in the concrete block. What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved? Houses from cinder blocks take a shorter time to complete than those made of materials such as wood and concrete blocks. Lead was banned by the government in 1978, but almost all of the paint in the forties had high lead content. These boards would be attached and externally furred just like foam boards, but give you the advantages of never being vulnerable to insect infestation, yielding extra sound insulation, and being vapor-permeable to permit outward drying and excellent drainage. May 4, 2012 (Edited) I'd like to finish an old painted concrete block storage building to match the new vinyl-sided main house. Because older homes statistically tend to have more insurance claims related to the deteriorated condition of their components, insurance companies want to be sure that the home has been maintained over the years. XPS is fairly damaging to the environment relative to EPS or polyisocyanurate. See our blog post Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers? to use it, you have to pry the door up to get it to close. Bowing and Buckling Its a standard requirement for homes over 30-years old. Here are my questions. What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1980s house? What are the common problems to look for when buying a 1950s house? What are the common problems to look for when buying a house built in the 2000s? I'm fairly sure that our concrete block costs LESS to heat/cool than wood frame. Ask a specialist for a free inspection and estimate and for how to get the best financing for any repairs that are needed. They are also not acceptable by insurance companies for your homeowners insurance. They are known to have remarkable thermal insulation qualities and long service life. Galvanized steel may also be a problem when securing homeowners insurance, bu it is very likely that the water supply pipe has already been replaced. Also, see our blog post, Another issue that may need to be addressed is an undersized electric service and panel. Code requirements cited may have been changed in a newer code edition, or may not yet be adopted in your area. You dont want to build a house from low-grade and fragile blocks, as thisll have a negative impact on the structural integrity of the entire building. Cinder block houses are becoming popular and common, with many people preferring to build them due to their cost-efficiency. Concrete block is also more expensive as a building material than. While foundation repair costs for slab and pier and beam foundations generally range from $4,000-$8,500 for an average-sized house, the price can be much higher if . What are the most common problems with older mobile homes? Not only are cinder blocksa better building material than wood, but they also make a good base for a strong and durable house. No! Primarily, hollow blocks are used for constructing partitions and fences. I dont believe there is much insulation between the drywall and the block and I dont believe that the block was filled with concrete. Should I use it or get my own inspector? See our blog posts How can I tell if there is asbestos in a house? What are the most common problems with older mobile homes? The catalog-giant Sears ramped up home-building efficiency somewhat by offering pre-cut lumber kits for their Modern Homes," which were delivered to the nearest railroad depot, then trucked to a homesite to be assembled by local carpenters. One final note: your insurance agent will likely request a four point inspection report (also sometimes called a 4-point letter) in order to issue insurance. Concrete Block Wall Concrete block walls are some of the strongest walls available to the construction industry. There are a lot of pros to building a home out of concrete blocks. Thanks again. Horizontal cracks are extremely dangerous. Over 8,500 inspections completed in 20+ years. Keep in mind that decorative blocks tend to absorb moisture, making them not suitable for the exterior walls of a building unless you apply a waterproof sealant. Luckily, there are ways to repair a concrete foundation without having to tear it out and start from scratch. Also, unlike framing, most of the labor doesnt need to be skilled. The 19 Types of Levels for Your Toolbox in 2022, The 10 Types of Pavers for Your Patio in 2022, The 10 Main Types of Bathroom Faucets in 2022, The 90 Best Buying a Home Quotes to Use in 2022, The 15 Main Types of Wood Grain Patterns in 2022. Efflorescence is a white powder that can form on the concrete block and is caused by water infiltration inside the block. Other variables at play here include house location, drainage, and type of soil. Your home inspector will check for this defect, and it is a common one in homes 60+ years old. Early 1940s homes were built on a stem wall or piers, but the concrete slab-on-grade with a thickened edge that served as a foundation was the up-and-coming new technology of the end of the decade. Why is the concrete window sill cracking? See our blog post, Asbestos cement was also a popular material for roof shingles in the 1940s. Hydronic underfloor heating is connected to the sea water geothermal regulation system designed into the house. Doors may begin to stick or fail to close correctly as the doors and door frames warp from humidity and dampness. Your home inspector can provide this additional report for you and, more importantly, can advise at the time of your home inspection if any conditions observed would be a red flag in the insurance 4-point inspection. Also, unlike framing, most of the labor doesnt need to be skilled. What are the code requirements for an old fuse panel/box? How does concrete spalling cause structural failure if not repaired? A sales center sold homes pre-construction and it became a nationwide template for suburban housing. Dana has given you great advice. Galvanized steel may also be a problem when securing homeowners insurance, bu it is very likely that the water supply pipe has already been replaced. There is a very high chance your foundation is failing. Typical concrete problems may include surface flaking (spalling), cracking, and discoloration, all of which can make the concrete look aged and worn. These materials, except for vermiculite attic insulation and asbestos pipe insulation, are generally considered acceptable by the EPA and safe, as long as they are not disturbed, but can put dangerous asbestos fibers into the air if drilled, sanded, cut, or otherwise disturbed during any remodeling. Even worse is when these concrete block wall cracks appear in your basement or crawl space walls. Top left; a house we recently surveyed in Slough, of Wimpey 'no fines' construction. Now lets talk about the different types of cinder blocks you can use to build a house. Stair Step Cracks. What you should look for are cracks larger than about 1/8" across (that you easily can stick two quarters into) and/or that have differential (one side is kicked-out higher than the other), which is usually the result of significant movement. Should I be suspicious about a concrete block house covered with siding? Moving forward in time to today, homeowners keep their windows closed year-round (although most are loathe to admit it) and energy costs have surged upward. The standard service in the early 1940s was 60 or 100-amps. In addition, the craft and expertise of the builder will affect how long the house will last. On interior surfaces use a scrub brush to fully remove stubborn deposits. Cracking Due To Minor Settlement - Awood frame home with vinyl, wood, or cementitious siding can absorb minor movement of the structure without cracking. Reference: National Park Service Preservation Brief #15: Preservation of Historic . Sometimes the vermiculite is hidden below a layer of newer insulation, like in the photo below. New house building foundations. This is especially important now, as lumber costs soar, making traditional homes prohibitively expensive to build. Instead of giving your new place a homey look from the outside, the structure might end up commercial-looking instead. If the original pipe is still in place, the copper pipe is about at the end of a serviceable lifespan and the galvanized steel is overdue for replacement. Photograph: Joe Dunne. While block was historically more expensive than wood, it might actually be a wash for the foreseeable future. Check for glass screw-in fuses in the electric panel and, if you find them, panel replacement will be necessary. 16822 SE 92nd Danna Avenue, The Villages, FL 32162, www.thevillagesbestinspector.com Comments or questions tomcgarryandmadsen@mac.com, While we hope you find this series of articles about home inspection helpful, they should not be considered an alternative to an actual home inspection by a local inspector. Cinder blocks, also called concrete blocks or breeze blocks, offer broad range of benefits for home construction. The home may have already been upgraded to a larger service and circuit breaker panel. Cinder blocks can last for many years and dont require regular maintenance compared to other building materials such as natural wood. Its not susceptible to rot, termites dont eat it, its dimensionally stable, tolerates minor moisture intrusion, is hurricane resistant, and considered by many homebuyers as a superior construction type. If you suspect trouble, do the following: Examine the foundation yourself for obvious issues. ICF forms require extra support during setup to ensure the forms remain in place before and after pumping the concrete into the ICF forms. In my opinion ICF is stronger. Most problems can get worse if they are not identified and addressed. In a hurry? . See our blog post How do I get my home ready for a four point inspection? Have an asbestos abatement contractor do it for you. Advertisement If there's an issue with plumbing in a concrete home and pipes aren't in an accessible part of the structure, some of the concrete will have to be cut in order for a plumber to reach the . Overall, cinder block houses cant outlast concrete blocks, which have alifespan of over 75 years. to learn more. How can I tell if the exterior walls of a house are concrete block (CBS) or wood or brick? 1. A number of building components, including the roofing and siding mentioned earlier, were manufactured using asbestos during this period. for more. We have closed off rooms during the winter to save on heating and have had some moisture issues inside the rooms on the drywall so we want to make sure we don't have any condensation issues when we side. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The details of how the top of the wall works with the ceiling-joists/attic floor joists matters- it has to be air-sealed between the blocks & attic insulation. rolla Freshie The four points are 1) roof, 2) plumbing, 3) electrical, and 4) heating/air conditioning. Over 8,500 inspections completed in 20+ years. Concrete pillar blocks are most commonly used in building pillars or piers. Worker on construction site. A wet concrete mixture of sand, cement and sometimes small rounded gravel is then poured into these voids. Additionally, they dont need a lot of maintenance, and repairs are easy to fix. So homes built in the first two-thirds of the decade are often constructed a little differently than ones built in the last few years. Keeping water away from other components can cure up to ninety percent of foundation water . In a hurry? What problems should I look for when buying a house that has been moved? The rust causes the steel bars to expand, which opens long cracks in the surface, like in the photo above. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8 to 11 a.m . Other factors, such as expansive clay in the soil under the home, can also cause foundation distress over time. You cant afford it. Levitts system could produce 30 homes a day and the price was afforable for returning war vets. What are the most common problems with older houses? Appomattox, VA 24522. Do stucco walls mean a house is concrete block? Testing for lead paint can be done by a lead specialist using a high-tech tool if you are concerned about this contaminant. What causes stair-step cracks in a block or brick wall? Erosion around the exterior perimeter of your house is likely caused by poor grading, missing gutters or gutters that need to be cleaned and repaired. This is also a sign of high-pressure levels pushing against your foundation walls. Incorrectly built concrete block foundations and basements may sustain water damage on land with a high water table. Another source says that I must put 3/4" foam insulation between the furring strips or else . Until you do, water intrusion and weather changes will only compound the problem. Concrete block walls and terrazzo floors are brought inside to accentuate the indoor outdoor fell. Concrete or cinder blocks are known as "concrete masonry units" (CMU) in the building industry. Even worse is when these concrete block wall cracks appear in your basement or crawl space walls. All Rights Reserved. Best Place to Buy a Mattress: Top Considerations. 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