Moisture intrusion can be a big cause of defects to buildings as well as causing health problems for people within the structures. Wood decay can cause severe structural damage to the building. Mold growth inside the home can cause several different serious and even fatal conditions.
Moisture meters for Inspectors:
After reading this information on moisture meters, I’ve learned the two different types and how they both work. I believe it will be a very helpful tool to have once i begin my inspections. Seeing the signs of moisture intrusion and actually knowing whether moisture still exist is not easy easy to do through finished products. By using one of the meters we will be able to determine better if there is still a current moisture problem or not.
Above is an image of a broken clay pipe that was serving as an underground drainage component. The gutter downspouts drained into clay pipe that had all been broken and no longer contained the water from the gutters. This contributed to moisture intrusion issues seen throughout the basement.
This article discusses efflorescence, its causes and removal. Efflorescence is the result of water infiltration leeching out minerals in the water. Efflorescence is a good indicator when inspecting for water intrusions issues.
**Hard Water **
This article describes hard water, its identification and mitigation. Hard water may effect valves and fittings leading to leaks and further water related issues. Hard water is corrected relatively easy through the instillation af various water treatment systems.
Moisture inspections
Reading & Writing Assignment
By Greg Shafer
Mold mildew can’t always bee easily identified. sometimes you can’t even see it because its behind something. pay attention to your other senses and if it smells damp or feels damp then most likely it is damp or has been at some time. Seek further and don’t miss anything.
Moisture meters are not a required tool for an inspector to have but a tool that is highly recommended and something that would make you stand out above the rest… Nothing would be worst than telling a customer that they have water damage or moister damage and they have it repaired and it turns out it is just some surface damage. Their are 2 types moisture meters out there, Pin type and Search mode and you can even buy one that has both functions. Both meters can detect moisture in all types of material and these meters can even tell you when there is the right amount of moisture to start growing mold…
Mold
Mold is a type of spore that just floats around looking for a wet place to land and to spread… Their is many types of mold and out of all the types they all need water to grow… Preventing mold is fairly simple, make sure that your house has proper ventilation, clean up any water you find laying around, if you find mold clean it up and surrounding areas before it has a chance to spread, wrap cold water pipes and even increase the temp… Mold can be extremely dangerous and hazardous to your health and that is a very good reason to hire someone that specializes in the removal of mold,
I inspected the gutters around my personal residence. As seen in the photo, there was excessive ice build up in the North facing gutters.
There were two problems with this:
the primary issue was that water was not draining out the gutters but instead dripping down onto an external access door, which would likely damage the door as well as potentially allowing moisture intrusion
the ice is very heavy, and if not removed, it would likely cause imminent failure of the gutter system
The first article was interesting and I wholeheartedly agree. It is much better for me to discover a defect in a system BEFORE my clients purchase than for them to be upset with me later that I didn’t catch it.
The second article also piqued my interest, though it was not quite what I was expecting. My initial thought on the title of the article was perhaps providing a different aspect to my inspection business for inspecting “green” structures…such as solar and water power. Nonetheless, it was a good article about not wasting where not needed.
in this photo you can see a crack in the stucco below the window trim. i believe this is a fairly new crack as it is clean with little debris. this can cause future moisture problems if not fixed immediately and by a professional.
the first article i read was “Building a home”. I think it is a great article for consumers to understand how a home works including energy efficiency and how much of an investment it really is when building a new home. it really emphasizes the term what you put in is what you get out.
The second article i read was “the danger of molds and moisture”. the article tells you how mold involves practicing safe procedures when eliminating it from a home and why it is so important to get rid of it. The article shows us some PPE and what to use during the extraction of mold. Mold can be both observable as well as hidden. Primary human symptoms can include asthma, allergies, and continued sickness.
Above is a picture of one of the downspouts outside of our home. The water is dripping too close to the foundation which can create a moisture problem and wall damage if the water runs back to the foundation. A simple way to fix this would be to extend the downspout to carry water further away from the house. A better slope away from the house would help with water issues as well.
Crawlspace Hazards and Inspection
by Nick Gromicko
Crawlspaces are known for being dirty and are notorious for mold, fungus, pests, hantavirus, asbestos insulation, bad wiring, standing water and sewage, etc. Proper precautions should be taken when entering crawlspaces because an inspector never knows if it has been kept clean or if it is infested. A crawlspace should never be entered without letting another individual know where you are.
This photo shows the gutter from the upper roof draining onto the garage roof,this action could cause premature wear on the asphalt shingles below. This could also cause ice dams in the winter. The upper gutter should have a downspout connected that extends into the lower gutter system for proper drainage to prevent moisture intrusion.
The amount of solar power available for home energy could replace every fuel source currently being used. Solar energy is constantly being replaced and solar panels produce no pollution compared to the burning of fossil fuels that release tons of carbon dioxide into the air yearly. Solar power can improve the quality of life for many people who live in remote areas throughout the world that don’t have access to a power grid.
Central Humidifiers:
Humidifiers add moisture to the air in the form of water vapor to make it more comfortable during cold dry months of the year. Humidifiers can also be dangerous if not properly maintained by adding pollutants such as bacteria and fungi into the air by the vapor that is produced. If not properly controlled too much moisture can cause a number of other issues throughout the home, like peeling paint and mold which can be hazardous .
Here, the homeowner has installed an extension to the downspout to move water further away from the house. also the downspout is securely attached to the house. would recommend a removing bricks and installing a proper splash block.
This article is about how moisture gets in and what is look for when inspecting the major systems of the house.
Moisture Meters for Inspectors
This article is about all the different types of meters and how to use them. It is interesting all the different problems that can be located with a moisture meter.
There are many types of barbeque grills, and as to which one to use , is up to the individual user. No matter what your preference, caution and safety should be the number one concern for yourself and others as well as the surroundings of the grilling site. Also reading and understanding the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations is key to a safe and tasty barbeque season. Happy grilling everyone!
Above image east side of exterior of home.
Sophet and vapor barrier are not connected allowing water entry to home structure.
Exterior wall has missing “hardy board” exposing wall sheathing creating potential area for moisture damage.
Recommend licensed contractor asses condition and make necessary repairs, air sealing around area. This is also a potential concern for energy efficiency loss do to airflow through missing insulation.
“Moisture Intrusion” By Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
Moisture can enter a structure in many ways, it is important to have your home “air sealed” to help prevent future problem areas. Moisture can cause many mold and allergy problems for people even if they don’t suffer from allergies. Moisture can also cause significant damage to a structure. water fixtures in the home are a main concern for unwanted moisture, through drain or waterline leaks. You should make sure all water fixture connections are tight and leak free, also making sure that any areas with exposed plumbing should be clean easily accessible in case of possible leaks.
“Wood Decay” By Nick Gromicko and Kenton Shepard
Replacement for wood decay issues account for 10% of wood manufacturing in the United States. Signs of wood decay include: brown discoloration, mold or other organic organisms present, “water marking” stains from previous moisture exposure and the inevitable failure of the member. It is important as a home inspector to be able to readily identify wood decay type and origin. Most wood decay is caused by moisture allowing a perfect breeding ground for wood destroying organisms.
The two pictures above are of my bathroom ceiling. What they do not show is an exhaust fan,this house was built in the early seventies. While the window works as designed for i will install a fan in the future.
