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Resources |
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REALTOR
RESOURCES
Many times a client will purchase a house only
to find out days later that a serious moisture/
mold problem had not been disclosed. In these
cases your report may be used by the client’s
attorney. Home inspectors can also provide a point
of reference If during the course of their inspection
a moisture/ mold problem is encountered, a note
will be made in their report suggesting further
evaluation by a mold inspector. On occasion banks
also require a mold inspection before authorizing
a loan for commercial property. This amounts to
providing a “clean bill of health”
for the property in question (i.e. the structure
is a mold free and should remain that way unless
some unforeseen malfunction occurs due to a failure
of one of the structure’s components).
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Attic
• Look for any indication of
moisture intrusion or previous water damage.
Staining can often be found on the sheathing and
framing. High probability areas
include any protrusions through the roof, such as
vents, skylights, chimney, etc.
• Check for adequate ventilation. (Minimum
requirements is 1sq ft of ventilation
per 300sq ft of attic floor, divided equally between
the soffit and ridge / upper vents.)
Also check to make sure insulation in not blocking
airflow to the soffit vents.
• All interior appliances such a dryers and
bathroom fans should ventilate to the
exterior of the building.
• Inspect the condition of the insulation,
looking for even and complete distribution
throughout the attic. If the insulation is batt
style, make sure the paper side is facing
the interior of the structure. If staining or any
other indication of moisture intrusion
is observed, use a moisture meter to determine whether
a hidden leak is still active.
Basement
• Pull back the carpet in an
exterior corner to check for evidence of a leaking
slab.
Groundwater pressure will often force water up through
the cold joints at the
juncture of the floor and the perimeter wall. Inspect
the wallboard for signs of
previous flooding. |
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