Defects, Safety, Standards

Defects, Safety, Standards

Typical Defects Typical defects that home inspectors should report include:

1. surface slopes toward the house or has inadequate slope away from the house,
2. cracking, crazing, delamination, dusting, pop-outs in concrete,
3. cracking and damage in asphalt,
4. surface is uplifted, usually caused by tree roots and expansive soil,
5. surface settled, usually caused by improper soil compaction and expansive soil,
6. ruts and thin gravel coverage in soil and gravel,
7. erosion and voids any surface,
8. sand soft or absent around flagstones and pavers,
9. flagstones and pavers loose, unstable, or damaged,
10. surface coverings (carpet, tiles, etc.) cracked or deteriorated,
11. evidence of ponding water exists (slip on ice hazard),
12. edging materials such as bricks (trip hazard) loose and deteriorated,
13. walkway is higher than foundation planting bed (water trapped near foundation).

There is no agreed upon standard for what constitutes a reportable crack in concrete drive-ways, walkways, and patios. A common guideline is that cracks that exceed ¼ inch in width or vertical displacement should be considered for reporting.

Refer to the Slab-on-Stem Wall Foundation section for more about concrete defects.

Safety Issues A common defect of driveways, walkways, and patios is when one section is higher than the adjacent section. This creates a trip and fall hazard. there is no agreed upon standard for what constitutes a reportable trip hazard. A common guideline is that a ½ inch height difference between adjacent sections should be considered for repair.

Another common defect is standing water in depressions. This creates a slip and fall hazard, especially if the water freezes in the winter. A common guideline is that ⅜ inch of standing water after 24 hours should be considered for repair. Depressions are often difficult to detect unless there is water in the depression. Visible stains or algae on flat surfaces can be a clue that water remains in the stained area. The stains are often soil left after the water evaporates.

Accidents are possible where the view of oncoming traffic is restricted and where the driveway intersects with a high-traffic road. Possible safety issues include a driveway that enters the road at a blind curve or at a steep hill and a driveway where vision is restricted by plants. While not specifically required, home inspectors may wish to alert clients to these types of safety issues.

Driveways with a steep slope up or down can present challenges for clients. Vehicles that are long or low to the ground can scrape on driveways that transition quickly from a flat surface to a steep slope when the vehicle enters or leaves the driveway, or when the vehicle enters or leaves the garage. Steep slopes can be a safety issue and a convenience issue in areas subject to snow and ice. Cars and people may slip on steep surfaces. Driveways with a steep slope toward the garage can direct water into the garage.

Standards (1) local governments and homeowner associations may have regulations about issues such as driveway and walkway width, materials, and construction.