What are some common water damage and moisture issues in a home?
What are some common water damage and moisture issues in a home?*
Buying a new house requires lots of research. Whether it's a recently built property or an old one, you must make sure that your home is free from any kind of water damage and moisture issue. This is why a home inspection will help you make up your mind about buying a new property, as this could be one of the most important purchases in your life. A qualified house inspector can get inside and check everything out so that there are no surprises when you move into the place.
The following are some of the common water damage and moisture issues found during a home inspection:
Common water damage:
Roof Leaks
Your roof is, without a doubt, the most critical part of your home. Even a simple leak can cause severe damage and moisture issue. Your home inspector will inspect the roof for any sign of leaks, such as discoloration, a musty smell, and algae growth around the roof flashing.
Toilets and Faucets
If your home has older plumbing infrastructure, it's near-certain that there are leaks. During your home inspection, you must inspect the toilets and faucets because they're the ones responsible for leaking in most cases. Look closely at the base of your toilet, around the floor drain, as well as under sinks in order to make sure that there are no signs of leakage.
Leaky Basement
This problem can be difficult to detect. A qualified home inspector will check the basement walls, floor, and even the ceiling. A leaky basement can cause severe damage to both your belongings and your home itself. You must make sure that there are no signs of water penetration in your basement.
Underground Water
The presence of underground water is one of the most common causes of mold growth in a home. A qualified home inspector will check for evidence of groundwater, such as mud cracks on exterior walls, blisters on interior wall surfaces, and discoloration around window frames. Your home inspector will also look for dampness in areas like the laundry room, kitchen, or crawlspace.
Molds and mildew
Molds and mildew may not be serious threats, but these moisture issues are still unpleasant to look at. Your home inspector will check the sun-exposed areas such as window sills, ceilings, and walls for signs of molds and mildew.
Dry rot
Dry rot and wood decay are usually caused by moisture in the wood. If you see things like warped doors, window frames or trim, rotting floorboards, bulging paneling, or signs of black mold around the bottom of your walls, then there's a good chance that there are some serious structural problems.
HVAC system issues
An old or malfunctioning HVAC system can cause a lot of problems for your home. Your inspector will check for evidence of leaks from the HVAC pipes, vents, and ductwork. He will also inspect the insulation surrounding these pipes to see if there are molds and mildew growing inside.
A home inspection conducted by a certified professional is a great way to find out if your property is in good condition. If you have found some water damage and moisture issues during the inspection, don't take them lightly. These may be minor problems, but they can worsen over time, leading to significant structural damage, so it's better to solve them as soon as possible.
A Home Inspection Frequently Asked Question
*Disclaimer: This article has been written by a third party and permission has been granted to Charlottetown Home Inspections to publish the article on this website. As such, the article is provided for general information and educational purposes only, and does not constitute advice. Charlottetown Home Inspections cannot vouch for the accuracy or completeness of the information. The reader is encouraged to do his or her own due diligence and additional research, and to speak to a professional home inspector for the most up to date, accurate and reliable information.
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