Student Discussion: How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion Course

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To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays. 

This course page contains instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection, taking inspection images, using checklists, and writing a report. 

This assignment may take 8 hours to complete.

The second essay is described on the next course page.


Instructions for this inspection and writing assignment: 

  1. INSPECTION: Perform a visual-only inspection according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect a system or component covered in the course that is directly related to the topics covered in this course.
  2. IMAGES: During the inspection, take several inspection images of that system or component. Use your phone, mobile device, or digital camera. It can either be in good condition or have a defect
  3. OBSERVATIONS: Make observations and take notes while inspecting. Use the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice as a guide to your inspection. Use your own inspection software or InterNACHI's inspection checklist.
  4. ESSAY: Write and submit an essay describing your observations and the inspection images. Upload an inspection image along with the essay. 

For example, you may inspect the window flashing, insulation, or the roof. Take several inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take a lot of notes. Then, prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.

This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.

Your essay must meet the following criteria: 

  • It must be written in English. 
  • It must be at least 80 words in length. 
  • It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.  
  • It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected. 
  • It must be submitted with an inspection photo. 

You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.   

Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If it does not meet the criteria, you will be emailed and asked to rewrite it.

 

I conducted testing and scanning inside the house using a moisture meter and an infrared camera. In most areas, no significantly abnormal moisture levels were detected. However, in one corner of the basement utility room, the floor appeared to be potentially damp, and there was some mold observed on the drywall. No significant cracks were found on the floor, and the adjacent wooden frame showed no signs of moisture or decay. Inspection revealed that the nearby vapor barrier was not properly sealed, which may have caused air leakage and led to condensation. Recommendations: Seal the vapor barrier properly. Use bleach to clean the mold. Continue monitoring for any new mold growth. If the dampness persists, it is recommended to consult a qualified contractor for further inspection.

A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:

View Question

To successfully complete this course, you must write two essays. 

This course page contains instructions for the first essay, which involves performing a home inspection, taking inspection images, using checklists, and writing a report. 

This assignment may take 8 hours to complete.

The second essay is described on the next course page.


Instructions for this inspection and writing assignment: 

  1. INSPECTION: Perform a visual-only inspection according to the Home Inspection Standards of Practice. Inspect a system or component covered in the course that is directly related to the topics covered in this course.
  2. IMAGES: During the inspection, take several inspection images of that system or component. Use your phone, mobile device, or digital camera. It can either be in good condition or have a defect
  3. OBSERVATIONS: Make observations and take notes while inspecting. Use the InterNACHI® Home Inspection Standards of Practice as a guide to your inspection. Use your own inspection software or InterNACHI's inspection checklist.
  4. ESSAY: Write and submit an essay describing your observations and the inspection images. Upload an inspection image along with the essay. 

For example, you may inspect the window flashing, insulation, or the roof. Take several inspection images while performing the inspection. Make observations. Take a lot of notes. Then, prepare to communicate your observations in written form. This will be your essay.

This inspection and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--performing an inspection, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.

Your essay must meet the following criteria: 

  • It must be written in English. 
  • It must be at least 80 words in length. 
  • It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.  
  • It must sufficiently comment upon the system or component inspected. 
  • It must be submitted with an inspection photo. 

You will submit your essay in the box titled “Your Essay.” You will also upload your inspection image. Once you submit your essay, staff will review and mark it.   

Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If it does not meet the criteria, you will be emailed and asked to rewrite it.

 

Moisture intrusion inspection Exterior survey of the building envelope revealed the gutter system is compromised due to water intrusion from drip edge installation. Water was not draining properly from the roof into the gutter. Which was causing the water to drain behind the gutter system creating moisture on the fascia board. Over time the fascia board deteriorated causing the gutter system to detach from its secured location. We recommend contacting a licensed contractor to evaluate and repair damages to prevent further water intrusion.

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Hi Ben

Can inspector use IR camera to “see” moisture intrusions in the attic without being physically entering the attic?

Thanks
Caleb

This was a very interesting course. The moisture intrusion course gave me a ton of insights I never thought about before when it comes to water getting into a home.

Starting the course.

We don’t have too many basements here in California, but it is a good knowledge to have

I agree! Literally thought the same thing when deciding which course i wanted to work on next!

Starting this course today!

Starting mine as well!!!

Starting the course How to Inspect for Moisture Intrusion. Being in SW Florida this should come in handy.

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Hello, I am about to start the course now.

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Taking the course. Something to add: try to make your clients understand *how the moisture intrusion is happening, not just that it has been found. I.e. you found moisture in the crawlspace, where/and why is it there, and how can they eliminate or mitigate it.

Hi Caleb, What I do when using the IR camera is scan the ceiling first, this will give you a starting point. I then go into the attic and visually look for moisture and then use the camera on the sheathing. Most of the time you will visually see the problem. If you can’t get in the attic, then you can give you client some ideas what may be causing the moisture intrusion.

After i have started with the whole online course i been able to identify some issues at my own place and its a bit scary.

Starting this course today. Being from Florida, this should be enlightening. Especially with our daily rain and high humidity during the summer months.