This is a telltale sign of inspecting an attic with what appears to be water intrusion that has seeped under the roof covering. A good exhibition as to why attic inspection to detect water intrusion from above is vitally important.
Protect Your Property From Water Damage
There are many take-aways from this article but what stands out the most to me is the importance of water shedding off of the roof and away from the foundation through guttering and downspouts with appropriate grading. In my opinion, this is the first line of defense prior to consideration of the foundation.
During the course of the inspection of the roof and exterior, inspection of the gutter system showed significant defects. The downspouts terminated directly under a deck and against the foundation wall. This contributed to moss growing on the exterior and moisture infiltration in the crawl space.
I read the inspection article titled humidifiers. While there are comfortability and some health advantages to a humidifier, I feel that the disadvantages are much greater. From helping spread some health issues to damage to the home in the forms of condensation, rust in the heating and air system and others; it’s not worth the benefits.
The attached picture is from an inspection I completed on a 4 year old residential home in Houston. Window was fogged and the interior wood trim had evidence of moisture penetration. The window on the exterior part of the frame was not properly sealed.
NO Flashing Visible-Inadequate Gaps (Siding)1) NO Flashing Visible-Sidewall flashing was not visible or missing at one or more areas of the roof. When the roof-covering material is replaced, sidewall counter-flashing should be properly installed.2) Inadequate Gaps (Siding)-Siding was installed too close to the roof-covering material. Good building practice requires a gap of 1.5 inches minimum between the bottom of siding and the top of the roof.
Moisture Intrusion-Downspout
A downspout extension was missing at the time of the inspection. The extension should discharge water 6 feet from structure. This condition can result in excessively high moisture levels in soil at the foundation. Excessive moisture levels in soil near the foundation can effect the ability of the soil to support the weight of the structure above.
The Inspector recommends repair of the roof drainage system to help protect the home structure and occupants.
This essay is on, “The Electrical Panel From Hell”.
The article would be funny if all the defects weren’t actual cases. Many counties in Indiana and other states had no inspections until recently. The problem with even some fairly new wiring and service panels in homes is that hidden problems might be behind any wall. it is always good to have a pre-inspection home inspected by a licensed electrician.
Under the southeast basement window evidence of past water intrusion was present. The marks went from directly under the window to the floor. past patching of a crack was evident as well. Upon further investigation to the exterior of said window, the metal window well was deteriorated and rusted through. The well was detached from the foundation and created potential water access to the window. It was not raining at the time of the inspection. I questioned the homeowner regarding the indication of past water intrusion and he stated that leaks did occur during heavy downpours.
I would recommend that a licensed professional inspect and correct the deficiency.
There are clear indications of water and moisture intrusion from the fully glazed sun room roof gutter. The photo clearly shows water streaking against the wall that further reveals rusting of the gutter. Closer inspection of the intrusion could not identify the direct cause of the problem as it is obscured by silk plants and flowers decorating the gutter. On the roof, large amounts of sealant have been unsuccessfully applied. The gutter will need to be inspected from the roof by removing roof tiles. This is a significant issue that will require evaluation and recommendation from a qualified roofing expert
Moisture can enter a home in many different ways. Different climates will have different RH values and where that value is low and the climate hot for extended periods during the year the structure and components will have an opportunity to dry out. In addition water vapour, produced within the home like clothes dryers, steam from hot showers etc. is quickly dissipated. Under these circumstances mould, mildew and fungus can generally be adequately controlled by means disinfectant cleaners
Due to no water damage to photo this internachi picture is used. At the time of the basement inspection efflorescence was visible on the cinderblock wall. There was a also a odor that is caused by moisture. There was no signs of fresh wet water at the time of the inspection.
Damp proof basement walls consist of a polyethylene plastic sheeting over a bituminous coating on the outside of the block. On the inside, un-faced semi-permeable rigid foam (EPS or XPS) with taped joints is the first layer in contact with the basement wall. If additional insulation is needed it must be un-faced to allow moisture to escape.
Moisture meters for inspections article used. I was unaware that the meter could read false. If metal is present within the penetrating range of the meter the meter will think it has water. The inspector needs to move the meter away in straight line from the highest reading. This will help identify copper wire or metal pipes
Incorrect flashing and sealing at the top of the skylight has allowed water infiltration into the framing and wall finishing. This has caused damage to the drywall with some fungal growth inside the drywall.
The flashing needs replaced and properly sealed.
Roof Inspection.
For safety and better-detailed inspections, home inspectors can use drones (4 blade choppers) to perform roof inspections. I use a drone for high sloping roofs, slate, etc. that might propose a threat to the inspector. With safety in mind and need for a detailed inspection, a good quality drone can provide the next best inspection as compared to walking on the roof and often a more thorough report.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) created standards in 1991 that require all ranges manufactured after that year to be capable of remaining stable while supporting 250 pounds of weight on their open doors. Manufacturers’ instructions, too, require that anti-tip brackets provided be installed. Despite these warnings, retailer Sears estimated in 1999 that a mere 5% of the gas and electric units they sold were ever equipped with anti-tip brackets. As a result of Sears failure to comply with safety regulations, they were sued and subsequently required to secure ranges in nearly 4 million homes, a measure that has been speculated to have cost Sears as much as $500 million.
Upon closer investigation you can notice in this photo that there is a significant amount of moisture on the interior basement wall. The building itself is roughly 15 years of age. The client stated it was nor,al but is is musty
Here is a picture of a bathroom at a house I inspected in Arvada, Colorado. I was making sure the plumbing was working correctly, where there were no leaks under the sink. Also, I checked the toilet and made sure it was sealed on properly and flushed correctly.
When discussing the inspection of moisture intrusion especially in the Florida area. It’s important that the conditions of the exterior are thoroughly inspected. In this way your able to create a cause of the pro lame as well as a potential downfalls