Guarding Against Moisture Infiltration


Bathroom inspectionFounder Tommy Joynes’ philosophy is that BUY YOUR SIDE inspects every home as if his mama was going to live in it. Delivering on that promise means we pay attention to the details and give you an objective report about the condition of the property.

One of the key points we watch for is moisture intrusion. It can be the cause of building defects and cause health issues for the building’s occupants. Like most locales in the southeast, Osceola County properties are challenged with moisture intrusion, largely driven by high outdoor humidity and low indoor temperatures during summer months.

Some common moisture-related problems include:

  • Structural wood decay
  • High indoor humidity and resulting condensation
  • Expansive soil, which may crack the foundation through changes in volume, or softened soil, which may lose its ability to support an overlying structure
  • Undermined foundations
  • Metal corrosion
  • Mold growth

BUY YOUR SIDE checks for moisture intrusion in these key areas: roof, attic, plumbing, bathrooms and utility room.

Roof: The most frequent causes of moisture infiltration at the roof are consolidation of vent stacks below the roof; exhaust fan caps routed through walls instead of the roof; and missing, incorrectly installed or corroded flashing pipes. A roof leak may lead to the growth of mold colonies in the attic that can grow unnoticed.

Attic: Here we look for stains or discolorations and wetness, a musty smell and visible signs of mold at all roof penetrations. Chimneys, plumbing vents and skylight wells are common places where moisture may pass through the roof. Any such locations must be inspected for.

Plumbing: Most plumbing is hidden in the walls, so serious problems can begin unnoticed. Distribution pipes and plumbing fixtures can be the source of large amounts of moisture intrusion. If the wall is moist or discolored, then moisture damage is already in progress.

Bathrooms: One of the most important means of moisture management in the bathroom is an exhaust fan, which should vent into the exterior, not into the attic, to prevent overloading the bathroom with damp air. We check the sink in every bathroom, assuring that overflow drains are not corroded and allowing water to enter the cabinet, and showers/tubs to note if caulk and grout are properly installed to avoid channeling water to vulnerable areas.

Utility Room: The biggest contributor to moisture infiltration in the room is the water heater. The tank should be clean and rust-free and the area around it (and the water softener) should be clean and dry. Here we also confirm that through-the-wall penetrations for fuel lines, ducts, and electrical systems are well-sealed, clean and dust-free.

Foundation slab, windows and doors are also inspected for soundness against moisture infiltration.

At BUY YOUR SIDE, our goal is to give you the good news about what is properly maintained and provide a checklist of potential issues so you can make informed decisions. We inspect both residential and commercial properties. We welcome any questions you may have about the inspection process. Give us a call at 407.780.0911 or contact us here: http://bit.ly/UnNmwk

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