Moisture Intrusion

Feb 4

joedearmanBasement, Structure , , No Comments

Have you seen things like this around your house? If so, read on!

Have you seen things like this around your house? If so, read on!

I was performing some maintenance on my home the other day and became inspired. Please read on.
Protecting our homes from the elements is a constant battle, always has been, always will be. There are three areas where moisture can enter our home. These are Roof, Wall, and Foundation.
Following are some tips that will help you identify weak spots and win the battle when dealing with moisture intrusion:
Roofs – Any crack/opening in the roof can allow moisture infiltration to occur. Flashings are designed to protect joints and openings at chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, roof vents, and wall intersections. Damaged and/or improperly installed flashings will allow water to enter the home.
Walls – Any crack/opening in the wall can allow moisture infiltration to occur. Caulking is a putty-like substance used to seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and at wall intersections. When caulking becomes dry, cracked, and/or loose it should be removed and replaced.
Foundations – Any crack/opening in the foundation can allow moisture infiltration to occur. The amount of moisture, and damage, is magnified when gutters/downspouts are not functional or missing and grading is not directing water away from the wall. Sealing all openings and creating adequate drainage around the foundation is key.
I’ve tried to keep my explanations simple. If you would like more information about Home Maintenance, Moisture Intrusion, or Flashings please contact me at dkingfullserviceinspector@gmail.com

Basement Leaks: What to do when the ground thaws

Feb 4

Duane KingArticles, Basement, Exterior, Structure , , , , , , No Comments

The warm temperatures that we have been enjoying these past days have caused a lot of snow to melt. As a result, the ground has become saturated and cannot hold any more water.The excess water must go some where.

Some of it will find its way into basements and crawlspaces of homes that have clogged gutters and / or improperly graded landscaping that is not directing the water away from the home. This may in turn allow wall coverings, floor coverings, and appliances located in these areas to be damaged and promote mold growth too.

If the home is equipped with footing tile and a functional sump pump moisture infiltration should not be an issue. Monitor the operation of the sump pump daily though, as it may be running more frequently at this time. I have seen many pumps fail this time of the year.

Side Note: I have experienced a high number of interior plumbing leaks in vacant homes that have been recently de-winterized as well.

If you would like more information on basement leaks, grading, or gutters and downspouts please don’t hesitate to contact me