GRADING (see Page
2): Grading around the foundation was often flat, reversed,
or sloped toward the building. Reversed grades promote the
accumulation of water near the building and can result in
water penetration of the foundation and associated damage
to interior as well as exterior building elements (* see EXTERIOR:
BUILDING, WALL CLADDING).
Condition: Undependable
Suggestion: Complete regrading of all areas around the foundation
is recommended to ensure that surface water naturally flows
away from the building.
FENCING, GATES
(see Page 4): Metal fencing used as a dog run at the east
comer of the building was in acceptable condition. The gate
was operational and in acceptable condition. A short section
of painted wooden fence at the north comer of the property
was significantly damaged by rot and in need of repair, if
it will be retained.
Condition: Undependable
Suggestion: If the fence will be retained to provide a privacy
screen for the rear yard and patio, it should be taken down
and all seriously damaged elements removed. Replacement material
should be pressure-treated to resist rot, or treated with
an anti-fungus compound before being used.
ROOF SURFACE (see
Page 8): The surfaces of the flat roofs were generally smooth
and free of significant shortcomings, but were marked by significant
large "alligatoring" of hot tar apparently applied
when the roof was first installed. Seams were flat, however,
and no evidence of serious deterioration was observed. An
aluminized coating applied to the surface was sometimes peeling
and occasionally weathered to a point where it was somewhat
thin and may not be effective in protecting the roofing. The
tile roofs were generally in acceptable condition. A very
few cracked tiles were observed, but no evidence of water
penetration was discovered. Spare tiles were observed to be
stored in the building.
Condition: Undependable
Suggestion: The surfaces of the flat roofs were not observed
to be failed, but were not dependable, either. Examination
of the flat roofs by a qualified, competent and licensed roofing
contractor and repair or modification as necessary to ensure
that they are dependable is recommended.
OUTDOOR, EXTERIOR
RECEPTACLES (see Page 16): The single outdoor electrical receptacle
discovered was properly polarized and in acceptable condition,
except that the weatherproof cover was broken and the special
GFCI feature was not functional when tested with a special
tester and when checked with the integral test button.
Condition: Undependable
Suggestion: Replacement of the exterior GFCI receptacle and
the waterproof cover is recommended.