Home Inspections

Moisture Intrusion

By Robin Murray Homespect Home & Property Inspections

(905)

The process of inspecting and reporting on residential water intrusion can be complex. Water can enter a home through roof, walls, foundation, slab floors, doors. windows or even leaky indoor plumbing.

A Home Inspector has detection tools for moisture, including their eyes, sense of smell, pinned and pinless moisture detection meters and Infrared cameras to name a few!

Some moisture may be hidden from view. Inspect for concealed cracks and inconspicuous dampness, such as moisture lurking inside walls or under floorings. Moisture meters can detect moisture in wood, drywall and concrete. An Infrared camera helps detects temperature variation and moisture levels that may indicate water intrusion. Inspect the interior and exterior! Interior - look for signs of moisture instrusion - it could be areas of dampness, stains or discoloration on floors, walls and ceilings, any obvious pools or puddles of waters, or indications of mold growth.

Inspecting the outside structure will allow for further identifying and documenting probable entry points of moisture. It requires a thorough inspection of the outer envelope including roof, gutters and downspouts, siding/cladding, foundation, windows, doors, vents, seals and weather stripping.

Tips to prevent moisture before it happens:

- Ensure that eavestroughs are in good condition and free from debris.

- Extend downspouts away from the foundation.

- Grading should be adequate to stop excess water finding its way to the foundation.

- Doors and windows should be properly sealed.

Robin is a Certified Master Inspector serving Kawartha Lakes & surrounding areas for 15+ years, specializing in residential, waterfront homes, cottages & multi-residential/investment properties providing Air Quality & radon testing, water sampling & asbestos/mold analysis!