s020319 #2 Not-functioning clarification

Identifier: s020319 #2

Date: 08/01/2002

Question

Is a decayed column base (50% of cross sectional area decayed) "not functioning"? Is a section of brick wainscot that is unflashed at its top and lacks suitable drainage at its top "not functioning"?

Response

2. The phrase "not functioning" is intended to be broad in scope. An inspector's opinion could be that a particular system or component should be capable of protecting from weather or capable of resisting deterioration. However, the status of the question's two examples cannot be judged in this interpretation because there are too many unknown variables and possible scenarios that cannot be determined without observing these examples in service.