2618 RUCKER AVE 2018-01-01 MF Import

Engineer's Inspection of the Property Located at Fe�e 7 2618 and 262G ftucker Avenue, Everoti, Washington DeCay was found in this structure as noted in the paragraph tiiied "WOOD DECAI"' Iater in this seCtion of this report. ' ROOF STRUC7URE: On the exlerior oi the building, I tound no deformation of the steep poRion ot the roof structure that wouid give evidence of a serious structural deticiency. The rafters are ac4's, nominally Spaced 36 inches apart. No mid-span bracing is provided. The rafters do not have sufficient strength to support the loads for which such structures are normaly designed. Most older buildings, including this one, have roof structures that are significantiy weaker than those built to modern standarde. Until relatively recently, these buildings have been poorly insulated, or entirely uninsulated. This lack of insuiation has ailowed the heat from the building to prevenl large, long•lasting accumulations of snow on the roof. Consequently, there was less need for a strong rooi structure. However, nvw that we are increasing the insulation in these buildings, the rooi structures must support greater accumulations of snow. Further, the e}fects of overstressing a wooden sfructure are cumulative; it may eventuatly fail with n0 increase in load. Even if the structure doesn't tail, it will sag. For these reasons, consideration should be given to increasing the roof strength in any such building. Structural ventilation is leSs than that which iS provided in normal constructien practice. i recOmmend that the roof structure and the aflic ventilation be improved so that they meet modern building standards. i ,,, , � CHIMNEY; My inspection was limited because I was unable to reach the top of the chimney. WALIS AND CEILINGS: Walls are among the least inspectable parts of a building, simply beCause both sides are co��ercd. Unreported deficiencies can exist in any conCealed struCture. Frequently, cra;-;cing or other damage to walls are indicative of deficiencies i� other ��,pa e building, r�ther than in the walls themselves.,,l._�nade the_fpllc : . ._:_ �.___ � :�= """''o"`T� tivalls 3nd`cei`ingsi The walls show some cracking, but I do not consider it excessive or indicative of any significant structural deficiencies. There is water staining and damage to the ceilings in piaces. There is mucii greater than normai risk oi associated hidden structural damage. The capacity of the walls ot this building to resict laterai loads, such as those that occur during an earihquake, is poorer than average. TUE ANO SHOWER SURROUND: The tub and shower surround in the lower apartment is a wainscot of Ceramic tiles. We tind that many ceramic tile instaliations do not keep the water out of the structure over the lor;�� term. It is critical thai their waterproofness b? carefully