Alban Home Inspection Service

Checking Up on Exterior Surfaces

Here's a quick guide to performing a do-it-yourself inspection of a home's exterior surfaces: 
Masonry Walls.
Check masonry walls for cracks or loose, crumbling mortar joints. Since masonry is a brittle material, it is susceptible to damage from freezing. Water which penetrates cracks or joints and then expands when frozen, ruptures the toughest materials. Allow for proper sealing. 
Siding & Trim.
Check all siding and trim for damage (cracking and splitting), decay, and tightness of fit. Damaged materials should be repaired or replaced and the condition which caused the problem corrected. Loose nails (caused by normal expansion and contraction) should be reset. Additional nails or screws may be needed. Painted Surfaces. All painted surfaces should be inspected for peeling, deterioration, or normal wear. Sometimes peeling paint can be caused by condensation. Paint life will vary with the method of application (brush, spray, etc.) and the exposure of the surface to the elements. To avoid paint scraping and removal, repaint before the paint peels, cracks, or blisters. 
Caulking.
Caulking should be checked at all joints. Loose caulk will permit water to enter. Decay or ice damage may result. Also, air leaks through these joints will lead to heat and energy losses. 
Roof Surfaces.
Check the roof surface for loose, damaged, or missing shingles. Check between the tabs on asphalt shingles, as granules wear off here first and cause leaks. Older slate and tile roofs should be inspected and maintained regularly by a professional roofer or inspector. In most cases, the nails which hold the slates fail before the slates. 
Landscaping.
Trim trees and shrubs away from the house or roof.

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6. Install a dehumidifier in the basement during the summer. 


Prevention of Low Humidity
in the Colder Months
When cold air is brought inside and
heated it becomes dry. To address this symptom, use a humidifier, increase the insulation, install vapor barriers and retarders on the warm side walls, ceilings, and floors, and envelop the living space. 
Condensation develops in the basement
and crawl spaces during the summer months because the humidity in the outside air is often high (60% to 100%) and the basement and crawl space areas are cooler than the outside temperature. 
Condensation develops inside the house
when high humidity and low temperatures exist outside (i.e., showers, metal windows, and masonry construction without an air space between the finished wall material and the masonry). Condensation develops in attics when  moisture vapors are not vented and the lower temperatures cause them to turn to liquid.

 


FREE Advisory Service Program Announced!

This free service is designed for Realtors, homeowners and prospective home purchasers in mind. Its purpose is to answer any home inspection or environmental concerns or issues that may arise. Simply visit our educational web site at www: albaninspect.com and click on "Advisory-Ask the Experts" button and submit your question. Or, simply call our office at 1-800-822-7200. We'll respond to your inquiry with answers or suggestion as promptly as possible.

 

Note: This newsletter is for informational purposes only. When getting involved with a project, please work within your ability. If you need help with a contractor or with any other home-related issue, please contact Alban Home Inspection Service with any questions. Thank You.

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