In proper drainage from the house resulted in expansion of the basement joists causing the floor to buckle. This could have easily been avoided by simply having the guitars attached properly, leading away from the house. When builders fail to leave enough room for expansion this problem can become severely elevated.
Moisture intrusion is dangerous due to several health concerns and should be properly maintained to avoid mold. A persons home is a safe haven and should not have its integrity compromised by moisture damage.
Water damage occurred in the ceiling by improper sealing of the shower in the bathroom above. Sealing and surrounding areas must be thoroughly checked and replace failing sealant and water damaged areas.
There is significant water staining on the underside of the roof sheathing visible in the attic. This is the result of an active leak from damaged shingles above. This area requires immediate repair to prevent further damage.
This is a water intrusion problem where the facia has separated and is allowing water runoff from the roof.
In this photo is a very good understanding of the importance of a inspector to behired to over see major projects.
The Condominium development had a contractor install all new roof and siding on every building. You can see the Kick out flashing with step flashingand counter flashing. But WHOOPS he drove a nail straight thru all of the flashings then never put roof cement on it to at least seal the nail. Also look to the Bottom lf and you can see a exposed nail drove straight thru the shingle/ Do You Think they leak.
Inspection Report
1246 Willow Branch Ave
Jacksonville Fla 32205
Home Built 1929 Brick and 3x10 Timbers
Mostly Cloudy
Temp 86 Degrees
Water Intrusion Yes
Roof has indications and shingle cupped up yes
Flashing around the chimney are caulked with no counter flashing yes
Chimney cap rotted with holes yes
Gutters are full and are pitched away from the leader yes
Attic review indicates those leaks mentioned with staining and deteriorated planking yes
Main house level has a hole in the shower with missing tile/and open to the wall framing/ black mold presant. yes
Lower level Crawl Space is wet and damp/no vapor barrier found/Foundation piers and stem walls have Effloescence and wicking is taking a toll/could have footing deterioration going on. yes
Mold and algae growing all of the girders and floor joist. yes
Exterior has wicking and hydraulic actions with diagonal cracks thru brick around corners/ loose motor/ bricks falling out under window sill. yes
This building has many water intrusion problems and with nothing being done to correct this structure it may very well have the footing breaking apart due to water absorption and hydraulic pressures.
Jim Cocuzza
Moisture Intrusions
One big item to prevent moisture from entering the building envelope is to use Hydryolic cenent on all masonry penatrations, especially if the grade covers those areas / this type of mortor was designed especially for all of those applications. This is true with septic or sewar lines/ water lines and all others not even below grade. this product has all the properties you need to make a water tight seal that will not crack or weep water.
Inspection of slab on grade foundation found no visible cracks. The concrete patio and walkway on one side has proper grade away from house. The backyard has several drains that collect water and drain it to the street.
Hi guys, the following picture is between the two front bedroom windows of the residence. Due to a lack of any gutter system/proper drainage, the stucco has started to crack due to possible foundation settling and/or hot and cold expansion of moisture from constant rain splatter due to the aforementioned lack of gutters. Mildew and algae was also witnessed on other exterior areas due to lack of a gutter system. As well, exterior paint has become chalky - an indication of a lack of maintenance and which also allows water/moisture to penetrate. (Time for an ext. paint job and re-caulk of all windows/exterior penetrations etc.)
Many Homeowners do not realize that stucco is just a finish. The exterior paint & caulk, properly maintained is what provides a protective barrier from H20 related damage.
Below is an image of cracked sealant and missing grout along a tub. During heavy use, by splashing, from small children moisture has traveled to the adjacent bedroom wall and discolored the wall and soaked the carpet.
Picture was taken in a second floor bedroom of a house with no eaves on this side. This is essentially where the roof and wall meet. This water staining showed evidence of what appeared from ice dams
Read the article about Bathroom ventilation and fans. It seems that most people think of the exhaust fan to circulate air. They don’t realize it is more about removing and replacing air. Its not just for getting rid of the “stink”!
Attached is a picture of pine needles that have collected in the valley of a roof. The depth was great enough to hold moisture to the extent that a small tree had started to grow in them. There was the evidence of wood damage to the fascia due to the high moisture in this area.
I selected ‘Moisture Intrusion’ as required incremental reading.
My take away is that there are several similar moisture intrusion problems to look for during an inspection. A key element of the inspection is to identify areas where there is, could be or was moisture intrusion – so that clients are aware of existing or potential defects.
I usually notice when plywood or some other material is obscuring a basement wall. Even a small piece of plywood like this can obscure a defect. In this case a dehumidifier was also next to the plywood. It was easy to see behind the plywood with a flash light. Water was entering in that corner and it was visibly wet with mineral deposits. Funny how my client was saying how perfectly dry the basement was however until I pointed out what was behind the plywood. Not huge water intrusion but enough to pool at a lower point in the basement that a small area rug had been thrown over. I pulled back the small carpet and it was sopping wet underneath. The rest of the basement seemed totally dry. I think it’s important to not let my guard down even when the client is satisfied that no defects are present.
Interior upstairs bathroom does not have an exhaust fan. Moisture will likely condense on the walls and ceiling with long term consequences. A qualified contractor should install an exhaust vent properly vented through the roof.
Read the Article “10 Easy Ways to Save Money & Energy in Your Home,” amazing how many of these items correspond to moisture in the residence. By following this article one could not only save money but the inspection process may identify potential moisture problems before they get too serious.