WHAT IS AN AIR GAP?

Buyers might hear the term "air gap" when a home inspector is inspecting a house.  There are configurations when an air gap is good and configurations when an air gap is bad.  There might be an analogy to cholesterol here.

A configuration when an air gap is good is the plumbing system.  An air gap between the supply line or faucet and the sink basin may prevent a cross connection or a potential contamination of the water supply.  Don't forget to check inside the toilet tank.

A configuration when an air gap is bad is your structure.  All structural components have a load path.  An air gap in the load path is an indication of a structural problem.  As you can see in the photo below, there is a gap between the sill and the foundation.  In other words there is no support for the sill in this area of the house.  Buyers should be aware of air gaps.

Can you believe the seller had a letter from a Professional Engineer stating the house is structurally sound?  When something does not look right, be sure to hire your own expert.