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Structure - Roof - ANSWER - Transfers roof loads to rafters, trusses and joists
- Ultimately transfers loads to bearing walls and framing
- Roof covering protects the roof sheathing Structure - Framing/floors - ANSWER - Balloon or platform construction
- Floor provides continuous pad for framing Structure - Walls - ANSWER - Carry weight of roof and floor to the foundation
- Wall structure varies based on type of framing Structure - Footings/foundation - ANSWER Transmits the weight of the structure to the soil The foundation is the base upon which a structure is built. A foundation has three basic functions: 1 - Transmit the weight of the structure to the footings. 2 - Resist the pressure of the soil on the outside of the basement and act as a retaining wall. 3 - Carry the weight of the structure below the frost line to prevent frost heaving. In Alberta, the foundation usually is made of? (x2) - ANSWER In Alberta, the foundation usually is made of poured concrete or preserved wood. The wall framing and the joists are placed on top of the foundation. Posts or columns are used to carry the load of a beam vertically, down to the footing, which is typically concrete. Posts and columns may be made of brick, concrete block, poured concrete, wood, or steel.
The slab - ANSWER The slab is the reinforced concrete floor between beams, columns, or walls. Slabs are most common in residential basements, machine shops, workshops, dairy barns, hog barns, and poultry barns. The building's type and the amount of weight it must handle for its intended use determine the slab thickness and requirements for reinforcements (rebar) within the slab. foundations - preserved wood - ANSWER Some foundations are made of preserved wood, and although less common, they will be important to point out to buyers. According to home inspectors, these foundations may have issues such as exterior wood decay, interior wood decay, leakage at joints, buckling from pressure, a missing moisture barrier, or bowing foundation walls (FXC Inspections, 2022). You can check the foundation type by finding some exposed wall in the basement, usually under a staircase or in a utility room. If you cannot find an exposed foundation wall, confirm the foundation type with the seller. footing - ANSWER A footing is a widened section at the base or bottom of a foundation wall, pier, or column. The footings transmit the weight of the structure to the soil to prevent it from sinking. An area's soil quality can impact footing requirements. Although heavier buildings require larger footings, a common 16- or 20-inch- wide footing can handle the relatively light weight of an ordinary building in areas with typical soil. However, these standards may not be sufficient if a building is on soft clay soil, or if part of the foundation is over a soft zone. Buildings can be damaged by excessive settlement if footings do not suit the soil's capacity Weeping tile - ANSWER Weeping tile is a drainage system located at the footings. Provincial building codes establish drainage requirements and include tile pipe standards and size. Posts or columns - ANSWER Posts or columns are used to transfer a beam's load vertically, down to the footing. Posts and columns may be made of brick, concrete block, poured concrete, wood or steel. Warning sign/potential problem - Crumbling mortar in masonry posts and rust on steel posts can be from moisture damage. - ANSWER Deteriorating posts or columns due to moisture.
Warning sign/potential problem - Squeaky floors. - ANSWER Squeaky floors may be caused by inadequately secured subflooring. The squeaking is the sound of the movement of the wood against the nail. Warning sign/potential problem - In unfinished basements, water stains may be visible from the underside of the subfloor. - ANSWER Water damage. Wafer board subflooring can swell when wet and cause unevenness. Swelling may pull the nail through the damaged board or out of the joist. balloon framing - ANSWER In balloon framing, the wall studs are built before the floors and are continuous from the foundation to the roofline. Platform framing - ANSWER In platform framing, the wall framing is erected on top of the floor-joist and subfloor system. In two-storey buildings, a second- floor platform is assembled on top of the studs and then a second set of studs is built on top of this platform. Warning sign/potential problem - Brick walls that lean or are cracked. - ANSWER Brick masonry walls are subject to leaning or bowing, due to deterioration of mortar between bricks, cracking, and other problems. Consult an engineer. Warning sign/potential problem - Cracks in interior walls and ceilings. - ANSWER Cracks in interior walls and ceilings indicate movement. Warning sign/potential problem - Damage around windows and doors. - ANSWER Damage around windows and doors can indicate structural movement. OSB - ANSWER Oriented Strand Board (OSB), also known as wafer board panels OSB board is engineered for increased strength with decreased weight compared to wood plank or plywood. How is roof pitch measured? - ANSWER The slope of a roof, or roof pitch, is measured and described based on how many inches it rises over a span of 12
inches, using the format: X vertical inches over 12 inches, or x:12. For example, a roof slope that rises 6 inches every 12 horizontal inches has a 6:12 pitch. Roofs with slopes less than 4:12 are low slope roofs. Low slope roofs require different roof materials and installation methods than steeper pitched roofs in order to properly protect the building from water penetration. Roofs with steep slopes, over 8:12 pitch, are more efficient at shedding water; however, they are more difficult for roofers to install. What is the difference between an open gable and and a box gable roof - ANSWER Both look like a standard triangle hat but box extends on the end and sticks out looking like it is boxed. Warning sign/potential problem - Sagging or buckling roof - ANSWER Rafters can sag or buckle when the lumber used is too thin or when they have inadequate collar ties and braces. Use of sheathing that is too thin can cause sagging. Warning sign/potential problem - Water damage on interior ceilings. - ANSWER Ice damming occurs when snow and ice collect or dam in a certain area of the roof, causing melting snow to drain improperly. The difference between silver to black wood shingles and wood shingles that are greenish in colour - ANSWER Wood shingles that are silver to black are untreated and more subject to decay than those that are greenish in colour, indicative of pressure treating. Difference between wood shingles and wood shakes - ANSWER Shingles are also made of machine-cut wood. wood shakes are split mechanically or by hand. Warning sign/potential problem - Asphalt shingles with curling or cracking. - ANSWER Leakage; expensive to replace. Warning sign/potential problem - Wood shingles that are missing, cracked, or showing signs of rot. - ANSWER Leakage; expensive to replace.
made from concrete fibre, which is more durable and provides some protection from fire. Brick veneer - ANSWER Brick veneer is a layer of brick applied to a standard frame wall system. The brick is supported either directly on the concrete foundation or on angle iron bolted to the foundation. The brick veneer wall is attached to the wood wall by special ties installed during the bricklaying process. Warning sign/potential problem - Improperly installed trim over joints in wood siding. - ANSWER Untrimmed siding is more apt to be damaged by moisture. Warning sign/potential problem - Wood siding that has moved and changed shape. - ANSWER Weather damage. Warning sign/potential problem - Painted wood siding that shows blistering or staining of the paint. - ANSWER Indicates moisture in the wood. Warning sign/potential problem - Damage to stucco. - ANSWER Moisture problems.Expensive to replace. Warning sign/potential problem - Cracked or flaking parging, which could indicate unwanted moisture. - ANSWER Moisture problems.Expensive to replace. Warning sign/potential problem - Discolouration of, or damage to, vinyl siding.
- ANSWER It will be almost impossible to match the colour when replacing the siding, due to changes in colour lots and effects of weather on the existing siding. Windows - Panes / Lites - ANSWER The pieces of glass are called panes or lites Windows - Sash - ANSWER The panes are held in a sash Windows - Stiles and Rails - ANSWER The sides of the sash are called stiles; the top and bottom pieces are rails.
Windows - Muntins - ANSWER When a window within a sash is divided into pieces, the dividing pieces are muntins. Windows - Jambs, sill and head - ANSWER The sides of the window frame are the jambs; the bottom is the sill and the top is the head Windows - casing - ANSWER The exterior or interior trim is called casing Windows - Fixed windows - ANSWER Fixed windows are sealed units, consisting or two or more panes of glass separated by an air vacuum. Examples are picture windows, bay and bow windows Windows - casement windows - ANSWER casement windows provide good airflow when open and are quite airtight when closed. They open and close with an operating crank. Good hardware is necessary for these windows. Windows - awning windows - ANSWER awning windows have a hinge at the top and open out. Providing good ventilation, these windows typically require more hardware than other styles. Windows - single and double windows - ANSWER single-and double hung windows are traditional in design, can be operated easily, and do not project out from or into the house Windows - horizontal sliding windows - ANSWER horizontal sliding windows vary greatly in their cost and effectiveness. If poorly made, gaps may allow excessive water and air to enter. Modern windows include features that improve performance, including: - ANSWER Glass type, including glass that is: Strengthened by tempering. Tinted to reduce glare or absorb heat. Coated to reflect heat. Installed with wire for fire resistance. Laminated to improve strength, safety, or sound insulation. Efficiency rating: This is a measurement of thermal performance.
when was aluminum used for electrical lines? - ANSWER between 1968 and 1975, but it is no longer permitted because connections tend to become loose over time and increase the risk of sparking and electrical fires. Aluminum circuits do not have to be removed from existing homes. Qualified electricians can maintain aluminum connections to reduce the risk of sparking. knob and tube wiring - ANSWER An obsolete wiring system consisting of a single insulated conductors secured to and supported on porcelain knobs and tubes This method poses an increased risk of electrical fire, so homeowners should replace this wiring with modern materials. Most homes no longer have this type of electrical wiring. AFCI (Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter) - ANSWER AFCI started to be installed in homes in 2015. Like GFCIs, they are circuit breakers in electrical panels with reset buttons. However, they sense when unintended electrical arcs occur in a circuit; electrical arcs are electrical sparks, and unintended electrical arcs can cause electrical fires. DIfference between GFCI and AFCIs? - ANSWER Faults in an electrical system can trip an AFCI, but faults in things plugged into an electrical system are the most common cause of a tripped GFCI (e.g., damaged or low-quality electrical appliances, tools, extension cords, and electronics). GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) - ANSWER GFCI started to be installed in homes in the 1970s. They measure milliamps of electrical power going into and out of an electrical circuit. When there is more than a 5-milliamp difference between incoming and outgoing amperage in a GFCI-protected electrical circuit, the GFCI turns the power off to prevent electrical shock and possible death of occupants. In new construction, GFCIs are required for most circuits in bathrooms, kitchens, and home exteriors. Power to GFCI circuits is easily turned back on by pushing a reset button or turning a GFCI breaker back on in an electrical panel. For many years, the common electrical service standard was a 60 amp service for a single-family dwelling. As the demand for electrical appliances grew,
circuits were being overloaded and the overall service needed to be increased. Newer homes typically have? or? amp services to meet the demand for all the circuits and electrical requirements of modern lifestyles. - ANSWER 100 or
A property with a 60 amp service may require upgrading for a buyer to secure homeowners insurance on the property. Potential buyers should have an electrician or home inspector verify the service size for them on an older home. Warning sign/potential problem - Service box indicates a different capacity than the rating of service wires. - ANSWER Risks to safety. Consult an expert. Heat pumps - ANSWER Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another by compressing and expanding a refrigerant. The fridges we use in kitchens move heat from inside the fridge to outside the fridge, and air conditioners move heat from inside a home to the exterior of a home. So, fridges and air conditioners are heat pumps. Ventilation - ANSWER Ventilation is simply an exchange of air. A ventilation system makes a building more comfortable for occupants by moving air. It can also distribute heat, filter particles from the air, and exchange contaminated indoor air with fresh exterior air. The main components of mechanical ventilation systems are electrical fans. Mechanical ventilation systems include bathroom exhaust fans, kitchen exhaust fans, furnace fans, heat recovery ventilators (HRVs), and the ducting used to move air from one place to another. In order to operate properly, ventilation systems require regular cleaning, including cleaning or replacing furnace and HRV filters. Warning sign/potential problem - Dampness or mould on walls. - ANSWER Insulation may be damaged from a poor vapour barrier. Warning sign/potential problem - Cracked or rusted heat exchangers. - ANSWER Cracks and rust affect efficiency and allow carbon monoxide to escape into the house. Warning sign/potential problem - Chimney bricks and mortar in poor condition.
- ANSWER High replacement or repair costs.
building technology and building codes mean modern homes have fewer design defects than in older construction. Some examples of design defects include: - ANSWER Bathroom directly off living room. Exceptionally small rooms. Doors that interfere with traffic flow. Doors that knock into each other when both are open. Low headroom in stairwells and basements. Inadequate lighting. Odd window placement. Lack of kitchen cabinet or counter space. Narrow hallways or doorways. Nabila (she/her) is a real estate agent who is doing a walkthrough with a prospective seller. Which of the following details about the home that Nabila noticed during her walkthrough may be evidence of moisture issues? Select all that apply. Not enough bedrooms for her client a walk out basement A bedroom door that needs a strong shove to open Musty smells in the basement - ANSWER A door that is hard to open can be evidence of warping of either the door or the door frame due to moisture. Musty smells may also be evidence of moisture. The purpose of a development permit is to confirm that the use of a property complies with the municipality's land use plan and the associated land use bylaws, including: - ANSWER Maximum building heights,
Permitted location of buildings and other construction on the property, and Usage of the property. If a property has an approved development permit, a new development permit is not needed for improvements, renovations, or change of use unless the new construction or activity does not comply with the existing permit. True or false - missing permits are considered a material latent defect. - ANSWER True Biodigesters - ANSWER Rural property owners can recover energy from waste. This is a groundbreaking development and a huge opportunity for agribusiness operators, especially dairy farmers, to handle waste, reduce their carbon footprint, and produce energy to sell back into the grid. Biodigesters - Anaerobic Digestion - ANSWER Bacteria break down organic matters in the absence of oxygen. During this process, bacteria break down waste into its base chemical components and, as a byproduct, produce combustible gases. The waste treatment system can harvest these gases for energy production, and the resulting solid or liquid product can be used as fertilizer for agriculture production. Biodigesters - Gasification - ANSWER Traditionally, this process was used to convert fossil fuels, such as coal, into gases for alternate uses. Today, the gasification process can be used for converting biomass (such as livestock waste in a dairy barn) into a combustible gas product, often called syngas (short for synthetic gas) which combusts cleanly. Biodigesters - Compost - ANSWER When waste is composted, chemical reactions produce heat, an end-use fertilizer, and gas that can potentially be harvested for energy production. This process requires time to work effectively. Biodigesters - Incineration with Energy recovery - ANSWER The heat from incinerating waste can be used to heat water, producing steam. The resulting steam turns turbines, producing energy. As it cools, the steam can also be recaptured, and heated again with little water product loss.
these conditions, the anaerobic bacteria multiply rapidly, allowing them to do their job better. For the bacteria to function properly, materials such as lye, strong caustics, acids, disinfectants, etc., should be ke True or False - Deadly gases are present in a septic or sewage holding tank - ANSWER True - Never enter septic or sewage holding tanks unless procedures and methods approved by Occupational Health and Safety have been carefully met. percolation test - ANSWER A percolation test determines the rate at which water will move through the soil, which will, in turn, dictate the size of a disposal field. Percolation tests can be used to determine the length of the weeping laterals required for a disposal field to handle the expected volume of sewage per day. For example, a test which provides a rate of 5 to 10 minutes per 25 millimetres (or one inch) would indicate a more coarse, textured soil than a rate of 10 to 20 minutes per 25 millimetres. To ensure accurate representation of the property, it is important to take more than one percolation test for each disposal site. In addition, it is important to note that a percolation test will only give an indication of the rate the soil will accept water. It does not reveal whether potential changes to the rate may have been caused by other factors, such as chemicals in the water supply. Under code, a percolation test must be conducted at each disposal field site. What is the purpose of a septic tank? - ANSWER The purpose of the septic tank is to allow the solids in the sewage to settle out (sludge) and the greases, oils or films to float (scum), allowing the liquid portion (effluent) to leave the tank relatively free of any solids. What is a septic tank made of? How long is raw sewage retained inside the tank? - ANSWER The septic tank is a large sewage holding tank and should be made from durable materials, such as concrete, fibreglass, polyethylene, or steel. It is a watertight storage container into which the raw sewage runs and is retained for 24 hours or more.
What does a septic tank use to digest the sewage? - ANSWER The septic tank uses anaerobic bacteria—which are present in body wastes and thrive in an environment that is warm, wet, dark, and free of oxygen or fresh air—to digest the sewage. By allowing the sewage to rest for 24 hours under these conditions, the anaerobic bacteria multiply rapidly, allowing them to do their job better. For the bacteria to function properly, materials such as lye, strong caustics, acids, disinfectants, etc., should be kept out of the septic tank. Also, rainwater and seepage water should not be admitted into the system. Septic tank testing - Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) - ANSWER High SAR is not good. Soil structure is destroyed by excess sodium, which occurs in relation to high concentrations of calcium and magnesium. When soil structure breaks down, its permeability to water and air is reduced, creating problems with sub-soil effluent disposal systems. The sodium absorption ratio (SAR) of the potable water can indicate potential problems. Generally, the higher the SAR of the potable water, and the higher the saturation percentage of the soil, the greater the probability of a future sewage disposal failure. Septic tanks - A Note on Water Softeners - ANSWER Water softeners are not recommended for use in conjunction with a sub-soil effluent disposal system because they increase the SAR of the waste water entering the septic tank. In cases where a water softener must be used, it is better to select a "sensing" or "metering" type, which only backwashes or regenerates if hard water is detected, or a preset volume of water has been used. The total volume of salts discharged into the disposal system is therefore greatly reduced. Avoid the installation of water softeners that automatically backwash at preset intervals. Keep in mind, too, that a water softener should never be used for iron removal; use a proper iron filter if required. A property has a residential wastewater treatment system instead of a disposal field or lagoon. Is this a concern or not? - ANSWER This is not a concern necessarily; a residential wastewater treatment system may be used as long as it meets certain standards. The water on a property has a low sodium absorption ratio (SAR). Is this a concern or not a concern? - ANSWER A low SAR is not a concern—but a high SAR could show a risk for future sewage disposal failure.
Slow flushing of toilets: Several drains in a house will drain more slowly than usual, despite the use of plungers or drain cleaning products. Surface flow of wastewater: Liquid may seep along the ground's surface near the septic system. It may or may not have an odour associated with it. Lush green grass over the septic field, even during dry weather: Often, this indicates that an excessive amount of liquid from a system is moving up through the soil instead of downwards as it should. The presence of nitrates or bacteria in drinking water: A test indicating that nitrates or bacteria are present in drinking water suggests that liquid from the system may be flowing into the well, through the ground or over the surface. Build-up of aquatic weeds or algae in adjacent lakes or ponds: This may indicate nutrient-rich septic system waste leaching into the surface water. Unpleasant odours around the house: Often, an improperly vented plumbing system or a failing septic system causes disagreeable odours around the house. 4 Different Types of Septic System Failure - ANSWER Sewage Backflow - Sewage backflow occurs when the septic system rejects sewage until it backs up into a home. Sewage in the Yard - Poorly treated sewage surfaces in the yard or elsewhere in the immediate environment. Decline in Water Quality - While a septic system drainfield may appear to be working properly, water supply sampling may indicate significant problems with groundwater quality. Gradual Environmental Degradation - Computer and long-term modeling indicate that septic system use in certain areas will result in gradual environmental degradation. Septic/waste Disposal systems include: (x5) - ANSWER Disposal fields,
Treatment mounds, Sewage lagoons, Treatment plants, and Open discharge systems. Septic/waste Disposal systems - Disposal Fields - ANSWER A disposal field uses weeping laterals or perforated piping laid on gravel-lined trenches for distributing and treating effluent. A disposal field must have no less than 60 metres of approved weeping laterals. Septic/waste Disposal systems - Treatment Mounds - ANSWER A treatment mound can be used as an alternative to a disposal field in situations where the water moves through the soil either too fast or too slow (known as percolation rate). Effluent is pumped from the septic tank to the mound for treatment. There are many guidelines and requirements for the proper construction of a treatment mound, so it will likely be necessary to seek third-party expertise should this be necessary. Septic/waste Disposal systems - treatment plant - ANSWER A sewage treatment plant is fast becoming a primary choice for onsite treatment in rural residential applications. A treatment plant uses five or more chambers with various functions to convert the raw household waste into near potable effluent at the end of the process. Although typically more expensive than other options, these all-in-one treatment plants require a small amount of space and work efficiently in household applications. Septic/waste Disposal systems - Open discharge systems - ANSWER Open discharge systems are the least desirable type of disposal method, and are only intended for use in areas at a great distance from any neighbours, property lines, or clean water supplies. They are not recommended for use in residential subdivisions. In an open discharge system, the effluent from the septic tank is released directly onto the ground; this can create major health, environmental, and nuisance issues. Open discharge should only be considered when no other form
