EXPANSIVE SOIL / CLAYEY SOIL

EXPANSIVE SOIL / CLAYEY SOIL (possibility exhibited): 
The inspector checks soil types by sampling only the top one or two inches. Cracked earth almost always indicates expansive soil. See Fig 01k. The importance of the soil type found at greater depths may be significant but cannot be determined. Since soils so profoundly affect structures resting upon them you are advised to consult with a Geotechnical Engineer or other soils expert before taking possession of the property Soil tends to shrink and swell with moisture changes. Some soils when wet--especially clay type soil--may expand up to 25%. When the soil dries it tends to shrink. Large cracks in the soil often appear Anything resting on this type soil (such as a building foundation, walk, driveway or patio) tends to subside. This movement can easily crack foundations, slabs, stucco and brick or block sidings and fences, and interior wall coverings When this type of soil is wet it tends to swell and push things upward (or outward as in the case of a bulging underground wall). During a dry spell (between rains or sprinklings of any time duration) soil dries from the surface down-drying deeper and deeper as time passes, until the next wetting. It is hoped that the foundation and/or footings were placed deep enough into the soil so that the average time span between  wettings would not be long enough to allow drying to the bottom of the footing. If this happened there would be the possibility of settling and lifting of the foundation with the drying and subsequent wetting of the soil. Perhaps this would not be a problem if the drying depth were exactly even around the structure. Since it never is exact, lifting or settling is uneven (perhaps only a corner) and cracking of the footing or slab can occur. "Post tension slabs" (see 90j) are less prone to be damaged in expansive soils since they tend to lift and settle as a "single piece unit". Post tension slabs, however, being relatively new to the building industry, are not seen in older construction and are not required nor always used in newer construction  01f Gas flame pit: This landscape accessory is not often found in new construction and its use is often discontinued in older construction Flame pits use lots of natural gas and the wasteful use of natural gas is not very popular these days Our main concern regarding a flame pit is its gas line. Very often older lines rust out and leak. The inspector can not effectively check for leaks in gas pipes--only the odor of gas is mentioned, if it is present and if it is noticed Flame pits are not tested by the inspector. Valves are often stuck or otherwise damaged and will break or not shut completely off when operated. It is recommended that you contact the local gas supplier for a gas safety check, informing them specifically of the flame pit.

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File last updated May 21, 2012 * Copyright © 2012 All rights reserved by: Accurate Inspections, Inc. A New Jersey home inspection firm 56 Woodland Drive, Woodland Park (formerly West Paterson) NJ 07424 973-812-5100 providing New Jersey Certified Home Inspections in NJ, by New Jersey Licensed home inspectors. Inspector of record Michael Del Greco, New Jersey Home Inspector License GI 0121.

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