What is the Difference Between a Truss and a Rafter?
Hello, I am David Campbell. Welcome to the Difference with David video series where I answer commonly asked questions about Real Estate. I'm on location at a new build site and wanted to answer a few questions I have heard about construction. Do you know the difference between a rafter and a truss? Watch more to learn these differences and why this is important during construction. More New Construction Videos
What are Concrete Shrinkage Cracks in my New Home?
Something that often comes up on new homes and old alike are cracks in the concrete slab. You can have a structural crack from shifting and movement but that’s not common. Those cracks are typically ‘off-set’ and can be large (wider than ¼ of an inch) What is common are shrinkage cracks. These range from a just barely noticeable hairline crack to an obvious crack like you see here. You’ll get these in most all large sections of concrete. Take a look at your driveway and sidewalk. Odds are you’ll find cracks. When concrete is poured it has a very high water content. As it cures this water evaporates and the concrete slab becomes smaller as it dries out. One thing we know for sure is concrete is not flexible so it won’t stretch back out and you end up with a crack. The concrete finishers will form ‘control joints’ in the concrete before it sets up and the idea here is to ‘control’ where the concrete cracks. Since you can’t stop it from cracking you might as well try to control where it does crack so the joints provide a weak line in the concrete that hopefully the crack will follow. If you are looking for a top Realtor in Kettering, Bellbrook, Beavercreek, Dayton and surrounding areas please reach out. More New Construction Videos
Water Heater Expansion Tank
During showings I’m often asked, ‘What is this “thing” attached to the water heater?’ This ‘thing’ is known as an expansion tank. It helps to reduce the pressure on your water supply lines. If the pressure gets too great it can cause water to seep past the many valves in your plumbing system. There are the obvious valves at the kitchen and bathroom sinks but don’t forget, you have other valves such as those in your washing machine, outside spigots, toilet tanks, utility tubs, water heater pressure relief valves, etc. Aside from the valves there’s no need to subject the pipe and all the fittings to extra pressure. When water gets hot it naturally expands. This is where the added pressure comes from. The expansion tank has a bladder in it that will expand and make room for the greater volume of the hot water. Think of it as a balloon taking up about half of the space inside the tank. I’m always available to help with real estate questions that come to mind! More Home Inspection Videos
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