Basement Floor & Walls

Moisture And Leaks

2-5-1

Observation: Dampness is evident on basement wall or floor.

Performance Guideline: Dampness caused by wicking through the basement walls or floor and condensation of water vapor on cool walls and floors are not the responsibility of The Bolster Contractor.

Corrective Measure: None. Dampness prevention is the responsibility of the owner.

Discussion: The owner’s failure to maintain a proper grade (ground level and pitch of said ground) away from the house can contribute to dampness. Condensation of humidity, which is an owner’s responsibility, also contributes to dampness.

2-5-2

Observation: The basement leaks.

Performance Guideline: Leaks resulting in actual trickling of water shall be repaired. Leaks caused by landscaping improperly installed by the owner, or by the failure of the owner to maintain proper grades, are not The Bolster Contractor’s responsibility. Walls and floors of new construction may become damp as concrete, mortar, and other materials dry, and dampness alone is not considered a deficiency.

Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will take such action as necessary to correct basement leaks, except where the cause is determined to result from the owner’s actions or negligence. The owner will be responsible for removal and replacement of shrubs, fences and equipment, and other landscaping if they have to be moved so that The Bolster Contractor may effect the repairs.

Crawl Space

2-5-3

Observation: Flowing or trickling water appears on interior crawl space surfaces.

Performance Guideline: Crawl spaces should be graded and drained properly to prevent water from accumulating deeper than ¾ inch and larger than 9 square feet in the crawl space area. The Bolster Contractor is not responsible if the exterior grading was provided by the owner or the owner failed to maintain grades established by The Bolster Contractor.

Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will take the necessary corrective measures to create positive flow within the crawl space to discharge to the exterior of the structure.

2-5-4

Observation: Condensation is evident on the floor or crawl space surfaces.

Performance Guideline: Condensation in the crawl space shall not result from lack of adequate ventilation as required by code. Condensation resulting from other causes is not the responsibility of The Bolster Contractor.

Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor will ensure that ventilation meets the appropriate code requirements. Further reduction of condensation is an owner maintenance responsibility.

Discussion: Temporary conditions may cause condensation that cannot be eliminated by ventilation and or a vapor barrier because: Night air gradually cools the interior surfaces of the crawl space. In the morning, moisture picked up by sun-warmed air is carried into the crawl space and condenses on cool surfaces. At night, outside air may rapidly cool foundation walls and provide a cool surface on which moisture may condense. If the house is left unheated in the winter, the floors and walls may provide cold surfaces on which moisture in the warmer crawl space air may condense. Excessive moisture inside a heated house may hit the dew point within or on the colder bottom surface of vapor-permeable floor insulation. The condensation can be reduced by placing a vapor barrier between the insulation and the floor sheathing. If condensation must be entirely eliminated, the owner can do so by sealing and dehumidifying or heating the crawl space, or by heating and dehumidifying the houses.

Columns

2-6-1

Observation: An exposed wood column is bowed or is out of plumb.

Performance Guideline: When installed, exposed wood columns shall not be bow or be out of plumb more than 1/2-inch in 8 feet.

Corrective Measure: Exposed wood columns out of plumb in excess of 1/2-inch in 8 feet when measured vertically shall be replaced or repaired.

Discussion: Wood columns may become distorted as part of the drying process. Bows and other imperfections that develop after installation cannot be prevented or controlled by The Bolster Contractor.

2-6-2

Observation: An exposed concrete column is installed bowed or out of plumb.

Performance Guideline: Exposed concrete columns shall not be installed with a bow in excess of 1 inch in 8 feet. They should not be installed out of plumb in excess of 1 inch in 8 feet.

Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair any deficiencies in excess of the performance guideline.

2-6-3

Observation: A masonry column is out of plumb.

Performance Guideline: Masonry columns should not be constructed out of plumb in excess of 1 inch in 8 feet.

Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair any deficiencies in excess of the performance guideline.

2-6-4

Observation: A steel column is out of plumb.

Performance Guideline: Steel columns shall not be out of plumb in excess of 3/8-inch in 8 feet when measured vertically.

Corrective Measure: The Bolster Contractor shall repair any deficiencies in excess of the performance guideline.