Research & Writing Assignment:
While watching the video on this moisture intrusion course I became interested in the use of infrared (IR) cameras. As was pointed out the advantages of their use in locating moisture problems. Thermal patterns created by latent moisture become readily apparent when viewed through an IR camera, even when they are not visible to the naked eye. This is because the IR camera sees the apparent temperature difference between wet spots, and building materials.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Water intrusion was found at the southwest corner of the foundation wall. There is a four inch diameter PVC drain pipe that is routed under the footing. A substantial amount of soil erosion and approximately six inches of standing water was observed in this location. This condition undermines the soil supporting the footing and foundation and can contribute to decay of structural elements and permit microbial growth. Recommend further evaluation of this condition by a qualified foundation contractor and repairs be made in order to correct the condition.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to write my essay on an image from the Illustration Gallery. The image I chose was of the French Drain. Installing gutter downspouts into french drains or below grade drain tiles is common in my area of operation. Defects that I normally encounter are gutter downspouts being either disconnected or displaced from the actual tile. This renders the system ineffective and permits water to be directed in close proximity to the foundation wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose to read and write about moisture meters, since they will be a primary tool in home inspections when it comes to moisture intrusion. Understanding how they operate and what throws them off is important for every inspector. I learned that metal can throw off readings, so I will always be mindful of what my moisture meter is near or close in contact with. I also learned about search mode and how the readings are read through radio frequencies. It is important to know considering, what wireless radio signals are present in the house, and if they may affect them (such as microwaves, bluetooth, wireless access points, cordless phones, etc.). Some of which operate on 2.4 GHZ and 5GHZ.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The most hazardous part of the inspection is the crawlspace. Its important to always wear protective equipment, especially for this portion. Mold and pests can easily make themselves at home without anyone noticing for long periods of time. Always be on the lookout for standing water and loose wiring and never enter a crawl space without letting somebody know where you are.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Mold, moisture and your home
Mold spores land on moisture spots in the home. There are many types of mold and it can cause health problems. If there is mold in the home, first the source of moisture needs to be identified and then fixed. Once the source is stopped, mold needs to be cleaned up. It is advisable to use a respirator, goggles, and gloves when removing mold. If the area of the mold is larger than 10 square feet a professional should be consulted. After the mold is cleaned up the area needs to be inspected shortly thereafter to make sure there are no moisture spots and no new mold is present.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Appearance of water stains in the living room. This can be an indication of roof damage and may grow to cause severe damage of the roof and ceiling and may be hazardous. Highly recommend inspection and correct by a licensed professional.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is the hot and cold water supply line hookup to the washing machine. There is also the drain line line that goes into a hidden standpipe. There is no moisture around the hose hookups or in the little wall opening. Also, there is no moisture or water signs behind the washer nor underneath it. This appliance runs perfectly and there is no sign of any moisture. Nothing to report on this appliance.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article that I had chosen was ‘10 ways to save money and energy in your home’. In this article it states general home care, such as replacing the air filters, replace light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs, make sure your home is properly sealed and insulated, and use appliances responsibly. A lot of basic home care routines are often neglected because home buyers are uneducated and misinformed. As a home inspector is your duty to educate home buyers on how to properly care for a home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
An important consideration is the proper handling of moisture in mechanical spaces. Here is a plumbed drain in a mechanical room for the disposal of condensate from a high condensing furnace as well a drainage consideration for TPR drainage from the water heater. You will also note the installation of a trap primer to prevent the back flow of sewer gases into the space.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Failure of building enclosure systems in multi-family residential buildings has been a significant problem over the years, resulting in legal action against developers and often significant costs to condominium owners to correct the situation. Since 2005 in Washington, developers of multi-family buildings consisting of 3 or more dwelling units are required to have an enclosure design prepared by a qualified professional and to hire a third party independent inspection professional to inspect, document the installation of the building enclosure components and ultimately test a representative sample of a window installation and certify that the enclosure was installed with substantial compliance to the enclosure design.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The picture is of my house when the water inlet for the dishwasher failed and allowed water to run under the subfloor while we were sleeping. The next morning we had a waterfall in our basement which we were quickly able to track to the dishwasher and turn the water off to the appliance. We set up fans to dry the fllor and removed the dishwasher to help facilitate the drying process. Unfortunately what we did not know is how far the water moved under the floor and that we had 3 yes three subfloor levels. Water filled in under these subfloors and we only noticed a problem after one month in front of our stove the floor was buckling. We had a water mitigation company come in and the found black mold had exploded under the different layers of subfloors and the subfloors were still wet. The additional subfloors were removed and mold treatment was applied and the subfloor was sealed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
standing water in the crawl space is not great for moisture. In this picture you can see the homeowner coated the inside of the crawl space to try and stop the water from entering, it failed, you definitely need to call this out.
Research & Writing Assignment:
If proper building procedures are followed many water intrusion issues can be stopped. Correctly sealing exterior walls and around openings can greatly reduce water from entering wall cavities. Checking for proper ventilation in attics and the proper venting to the outside all indoor fans will greatly reduce moisture in these areas. Attic ventilation and insulation will greatly reduce ice dams in the winter which could also cause water infiltration into the home. By proper sealing, venting, and insulating can help reduce water intrusion into the home and prevent costly repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
98% of Moisture intrusion come from air movement through the house. Other ways of intrusion are diffusion, roof leaks, plumbing leaks, and human activitys. Moisture intrusion can cause wood decay, foundation damage, mold and ice dams. Moisture intrusion is the most damaging thing to a home.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture intrusion article helps give you some pointers on where to look and what to look for. The item I found most interesting was talking about mold spores and who are more susceptible to a reaction. I knew about people with allergies and I could have drawn my own conclusion on people with compromised immune systems. If you need to hit the highlights about moisture intrusion read this article!!
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This picture shows the discovery of moisture on the attic side of roof sheathing. Although no damage or defect was visible from the roof surface, some dark staining and mustiness was observed in the attic space. The use of the moisture meter confirmed the suspicions of moisture intrusion. Further evaluation by a qualified roofer was recommended.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The image ‘moisture intrusion caused by a downspout’ demonstrates the opportunity for rainwater to intrude into the foundation when downspouts are not properly extended. Hundreds of gallons of water can pass through the downspouts during rainstorms, and if they are not properly extended, that means hundreds of gallons of water that could be dumped against the foundation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Crawlspace is wet and there standing water present. Some of the ducting has been crushed and there is evidence of breaches or holes at connectors, rust and missing insulation on some of the ducting. Recommend Licensed HVAC contractor evaluate and repair or replace ducting. Further recommend qualified engineer or contractor evaluate where the water intrusion is coming from and remedy the situation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Moisture Intrusion is an on going issue and as we tighten homes the problem gets worse. There are several key elements that can help keep a home dry. The first being good drainage from the home itself so it sheds water from the structure properly and a good drainage plane that moves water away from the home
