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What To Do About Fungal Growth On Trusses

April 9, 2021/1 Comment/in New Home Construction/by aaron

Building a home is an exciting but long process. Picking out the neighborhood, finding the right lot, and then choosing the floor plan. Oh and also the money you are spending for hopefully a forever home. However, when the home is under construction, you have no control over what the builders do with the wood or where they store it.

What is fungal growth on trusses? Well, it is mold that grows on the wood that has been laid on the ground or left out in the rain. When the home inspector sees it, it is usually already installed in the home and too late to replace.

Let’s take a look at why you should know about this, how it grows, the type of fungi, what the buyer can do, if you buy the home and there is mold, and when to call a professional.

Why You Should Know About Fungal Growth on Trusses

During the home inspection or new construction inspection, if the home inspector finds mold or fungal growth on the trusses, you should think about having a mold specialist check it out. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others. While the wood installed may dry out, some may be allergic to even dead mold particles. According to the EPA, “Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Mold does not have to be alive to cause an allergic reaction. Dead or alive, mold can cause allergic reactions in some people.” Ultimately, fungal growth on trusses can be a serious issue for some people, and at Inside & Out Property Inspection, we see it frequently.

How the Fungi Grows on the Wood Trusses

The fungi is attracted to wood because of the cellulose in it. This allows the fungi to feed and spread. Often, this occurs because the wood was left out in the rain or on the ground. Wood should never be stored directly on the ground, but it often is at job sites.

Temperature

The temperature outside also contributes to the growth. Fungi likes temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees, with 70-90 degrees being the most favorable. Unfortunately, that is the usual range of temperatures here in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas most of the year so we see this quite a bit.

Moisture

At least 30% moisture level in the wood will cause the fungi to grow. This can take up to a week to happen, but if there is more rain than usual, it can be shorter.

Oxygen

Just like humans need oxygen to breathe, fungi need oxygen to grow. Once the rains soak the wood, the sun usually comes out and then dries it out. However, the fungi now love the wood even more as it is no longer water-saturated and can grow!

Types of Fungi on Wood

Wood Destroying

This type of fungi is wood decay fungi and requires saturation over a week for the fungi to grow. It also includes brown rot, white rot, and soft rots.

Brown rot, also known as “Dry rot”

Fungi break down the cellulose in the wood and leave a residue that is brown called lignin. Unfortunately, the wood weakens before the decay is seen. If the wood in the trusses has brown rot, this is not good as it can cause shrinking, cracking, and crushes to a brown powder.

Soft Rot

Soft rot attacks the water saturated wood, which is often green and creates a softening that is 3-4mm deep.

White Rot

The white rot eats away at the cellulose and lignin and makes the wood appear whiter than normal. It usually attacks hardwoods but can decay softwoods as well.

Mold Fungi

This may start as green, brown, yellow, brown, or black powder on the surface. Wood that is outside in the elements and humid air can start to show this within 5-6 days. The wood strength is not lessened, however, it makes the wood more susceptible to soaking up the moisture, thus the decay fungi have an easier time taking over.

What the Buyer Can Do When There is Fungal Growth on Trusses

When meeting with the builder or General Contractor (GC), you can ask how they handle the wood for the trusses. Is it stored indoors? Left out in the rain on the grass? Hopefully, the builder and GC can ease your mind. However, in the end, there are no guarantees.
Visit the home site often through the building process and check out the materials. Also, look for mold or things that are unusual and ask the GC questions. Don’t be afraid as this is your home and you are spending a lot of money on it.
Wood framing can get wet as it can rain while waiting for the roofing materials. However, the GC also can wait until the wood dries before adding the roof on. Many will do this, but again there are no guarantees.
Take a look at the concrete as well. If there is mold on the concrete, there may be an issue. However, this is usually easy to fix.
Hire a home inspection company to do a new construction inspection as the home is being built. A Pre-Drywall Inspection would be a perfect time. The home inspector can point out areas of concern inside the home (if there are any) and you as the buyer can also pay for a mold inspection if there are concerns you have.

If You Buy the Home and There is Mold

If there is a small amount, (less than 3ft x 3ft) you can take a spray bottle with ½ vinegar and ½ baking soda and mix it together. Spray this on the mold, let it soak, and wipe it away. You don’t want to use bleach as it is not safe to breathe in. If the area is larger than 3×3, you may want to talk to the GC and see if there is warranty coverage. If not, you may be paying for the remediation.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you have any concerns about the trusses possibly having mold growth. A professional can inspect for you and ease your mind by being able to fix an issue or recommending the next course of action.

Conclusion

We wish that people building our home would take as much care in it as we do when we move into it. Unfortunately, that is not reality but we can try to bring it to the attention of the builder and GC and also hope there are no issues along the way. Living in Florida, we do have humidity, rain, and sometimes mold and fungi issues. We will make a note of anything we see in our report while inspecting homes in the Jacksonville & St. Augustine areas. We can also recommend a Mold specialist if we see an issue. Think you need our services? Comment below!

Buying a House With Mold

March 26, 2021/0 Comments/in Uncategorized/by BJ Johnson

House hunting can be enjoyable and stressful at the same time. It becomes even trickier when you find a home you really love and the home inspection shows there are issues and possible mold in the home. Do you walk away from buying a house with mold? Or do you have it tested and continue with the buying process?

Let’s take a look at the options.

Are You Buying a House with Mold? Get it Tested First

If the inspection report shows there may be mold, you need a mold test to know for sure. Home inspectors are not mold inspectors but some home inspection companies have mold inspectors on staff so you can ask.

After the company you choose tests for mold, results are sent to a lab for review and then they will give the final answer. Once lab results are in, you need a licensed mold assessor in Florida (or the state where your home is) to review and write protocols on how to remediate. The assessor may work for the home inspection company you chose or you need to look for a reputable company that has licensed mold assessors on staff. Then, a remediation company can come in to do the repairs. If it comes back that there is mold, it is a toss-up whether to buy the home.

There are all different kinds of mold out there and they affect people differently. Some molds, even when the home is mitigated, will still irritate family members and cause health issues, no matter if you get it out of the home. While on the other hand, some mold is small enough that it can be taken care of and the culprit can be fixed.

There is Mold, Now What

The mold inspection test comes back positive for mold. The licensed inspector will provide a report about the type of mold and the amount of space it covers. If it is less than 10 square feet or 5×2 area space, you can clean it easily. However, if it is more than 10 square feet, there is an issue and mitigation may or may not be needed. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you decide if it is smart buying a house with mold.

Cause of the Mold

The licensed mold inspector should be able to tell you what is causing the mold. It can be:

A leaky window – the seals may be worn down or the window doesn’t close all the way.

Negative grading in the yard – we aren’t talking about grades of A’s and F’s, we are referring to the slope of the land. The slope needs to go away from the home so the water drainage is toward the street.

Drainage in the yard is bad – this can also cause structural and foundation issues and allow for you to be able to walk away from the home.

There is a water leak inside the wall . This can be hard to see and you will need to have a home inspector check it out further.

Issues on the Top of the House

Clogged gutters – these allow water to run into the home and cause mold to grow where the water leaks in.

Eaves on the home are leaking and need fixing so water is not getting too close to the house.

Downspouts are not far enough away from the home. They should extend at least 6 feet but 10 feet is ideal to carry the water away from the home.

Crawlspace and Attic Issues

Crawlspace– the crawl space is a high humidity area and can have mold growth. However, this can often be taken care of easily.

Mold in the attic– mold can grow in the attic due to moisture because of leaks in the ceiling. Humid air in the home going into a low humid attic can cause moisture. Just like the crawl space, this is common and can be fixed.

Other Causes of Mold

Flooding– sometimes there is flooding that has occurred in the area. Asking the licensed mold assessor or the home inspector if this may be the one-time issue that caused the mold growth is a good idea.

Air handler leaking water– if the air handler or AC unit is clogging or having issues with running, it can leak water. This will be the start of the mold growth.

Who Pays to Get Rid of the Mold

If it is found during the home inspection that the buyer paid for, the seller should pay for the removal of the mold. However, they are not required to (depending on state rules.) This is where the buyer can have the upper hand and ask for a negotiation of the sale price of the home. The seller can say, “yes” and pay for it or take the amount it will cost off the sale price or the seller can say, “no” and leave the sale price as is.

This is why having a realtor is a good idea so they can help you negotiate and counter offer.

Remember that getting rid of the mold is great, but you need to know what caused it. Once you know what caused it, you can fix it. If not, then you are just putting a bandied over it and it will be back. Contact a professional to find the source and to quote a price to fix it. This can also be negotiated.

If You Are the Seller

Check your attic and crawlspace first before putting your house up for sale as these are the places where the mold occurs more frequently.

Walk around the home and take a look to see if mold is growing in any of the rooms or they smell musty.

Pre-listing inspection if you suspect mold in the home –this will allow you to know what is going on in the home that maybe you can’t see before you list the home for sale.

Buying a House with Mold Can Cause Appraisal Issues

Depending on the type of mold and the amount, it could lower the value of the home. This could also cause a lender to back out and not loan you the money. Furthermore, check with lenders before you really love a home to make sure that they will still finance a loan for you if there is mold in the home.

Get an Estimate of the Cost to Remove the Mold

Mold removal can vary from hundreds of dollars to over thousands. The amount may be more than you are willing to pay. These are things to think about when deciding if you want to purchase the home.

Future Prevention of Mold Tips

If you buy the home, here are some prevention of future mold tips

Check around roofs, windows, and pipes for any leaking.
If you have flooding in the home, everything must be dried. Also, you need to check for mold on carpet.
Ventilate areas in the home and make sure humidity stays low. If you live in the south, running the AC on “auto” is recommended.
Upgrade air filters in the home to Merv 11 or 13 will keep allergens out.
Basement – don’t put carpet down there. Consider tile or another type of flooring so you can keep it clean.

When to Call a Professional

Call a mold assessor to diagnose if there is mold. Additionally, contact a professional if mold is found in the home and you need an estimate of how to get rid of it. This may help you in deciding if it is worth pursuing purchasing the home or not.

Conclusion

Buying a home is a stressful time. When you find out the home you are in love with has mold, it might make you think twice about the purchase. However, don’t throw in the towel yet. Take the time to find out the extent of the mold and the expense to get rid of it. Consulting your realtor is a great idea as well.

We will look for signs of visual mold when inspecting your home in Jacksonville and St. Augustine . However, you will need mold testing to know for sure if there is a mold issue.

Are you in need of our mold inspection services ? Leave us a comment below

What Is Crawl Space Cleaning

March 10, 2021/0 Comments/in Home Maintenance/by BJ Johnson

Many homes have basements in the U.S., except for most of Florida. This is due to being below sea level. However, many homes do have a crawl space if they are not built on a slab on grade foundation. Crawl spaces were popular in the 1950’s and older houses as homes were elevated to avoid issues with flooding. Nowadays, most houses are built on a slab foundation and an elevated foundation is not needed.

If your home does have a crawl space, it needs cleaning but it can be very expensive. This involves hiring a professional to take out the debris, mold, pests, look for leaks, using a special vacuum cleaner, possibly removing a vapor barrier as well as encapsulating the crawl space to lower the humidity and more. Let’s take a look.

Why This Is Important

Crawl spaces were built to help elevate a home off the ground to avoid flooding issues. The space is very small and cleaning is important. However, it can be very uncomfortable as well as dangerous. Hiring a professional is the smart thing to do.

What is a Crawl Space

As mentioned above, the crawl space is a space that is under the house and in between the bottom of the house and also the ground. Under there is plumbing, gas hook-ups, ventilation, and electrical components. The purpose is for you to have access to them.

If there is ductwork under the house and you have mold growing, it can affect the air that your family breathes in. If there are pests or rodents who have set up nests, this will also affect your family’s air quality. In addition, you will find a lot of trash and debris.

Most people will inspect the area at least once a year. Some people only have the area cleaned out every 10-20 years while others have it done more often.

Common Problems in a Crawl Space

Mold and fungus are growing– as water sits under there. The humidity causes mold and fungus to grow and this pollutes the air in which the family breathes in the home.

2. Animals make nests– rodents and other animals will make nests under the home in this space.

What is Involved in the Crawl Space Cleaning

Removal of Debris

Before the cleaning, start with removing the debris in the crawlspace. This is taking out all of the trash under the house, which includes:

Asbestos insulation – If your house was built between the 1900s and 1980s there is a chance there is asbestos in the ceiling tiles as well as the insulation so you will want to have that inspected.

2. Damaged vapor barriers – These need fixing because they prevent ground moisture and the growing of mold and fungus.

3. Old wood and cardboard– This can start rotting or be a culprit in the growth of mold and needs to be removed.

4. Broken pipes – you may see these in the crawl space and need to hire an inspector to find out if they broke off a water pipe for the home. It will be difficult to know if it is a water pipe from the floor underground or if it is a water pipe that goes to the wall.

Removing Mold and Pests After a Crawl Space Cleaning

If you see white or black mold, removing it will be important. This can be dangerous and a home inspector can remove it for you. Also, in a home inspection, an inspector will look at the crawl space. If mold is found, he/she will make a note of it. This has to do with safety as it can affect the support beams and health of the occupants, so if you are selling your home, you will want to discuss with your realtor what to do next.

If you have more than 30 square feet of mold, a professional will need to help with cleaning the air in which it was removed. Remember, more than half the air you breathe in the home will come from the crawl space.

Pests will leave droppings and urine and those mixed together can be hazardous. Again, hiring a professional is worth your time, money, and health. A pest control inspection can be done to get rid of the droppings, and any dead animals. The professional will come to your home and inspect the crawl space, looking for live insects or rodents, exit holes, shelter tubes, signs of wood damage, and remnants of pest droppings and nesting.

Water leaks

Since dirt and moisture go together, you want to seal off all water, air, and sewage leaks. The ground, walls, open vents, and leaking pipes can let air and water in. How do you know? An Infrared thermography inspection can be done to see if there is a leak. Sealing up the vents and cracks so nothing can get in will help.

Repairing Damage

If you had to remove ground soil because it is contaminated, make sure you bring in enough so you don’t have negative grading. The last thing you need is water running towards the home. Take a look also at the foundation, floors that are settling, any cracks in the walls, or damage to insulation.

Vacuum Cleaning

A special vacuum is used by cleaners to vacuum up the dust and other particles and are careful not to stir up dust that can cause cross contamination in the home.

Vapor Barrier Installation

Once the debris is cleaned up from the crawl space and the mold and fungus taken care of, a vapor barrier should be installed. This is a 20 mm plastic protective cover that goes on the ground to keep the moisture out and from growing. It is sealed on the walls and the floor.

This is called encapsulation (see the video above) and ranges in price from $5000 to over $15000 depending on size and also if you are having to do more like dehumidify or waterproofing. Calling in a professional is a good idea so you don’t spend more than you need to and get the job done right.

Waterproofing

This might be needed as well and involves making sure the water goes away from the home. If you don’t have gutters or downspouts, you will need to have them installed on the house in order to make sure the water is going out of the yard. A professional can tell you if you need a sump pump or a drainage system as well.

Sewer Leaks

If there was a sewage spill under the house, you will want to make sure it is cleaned up and you find out the source. This may be another inspection of the sewer, especially if you have an older home as the pipes do wear out over time. Homes built before 1984 may be made of clay and falling apart. However, copper pipes wear out as well and may need replacing.

DIY Crawl Space Cleaning

If you choose to do this yourself, you will need a crawl suit that is disposable, gloves, a headlight, and a respirator mask. Also, plastic wrap to remove the debris from under the home and a truck to put all the trash in. It will cost you about $200 for all of the materials. However, it can be scary and daunting for someone not trained.

You can do some of the tasks above to save money and all of it doesn’t have to be done at once so you can spread it out over time.

Costs

The costs will vary depending on the work that needs to be done. Here is a good list of the range of prices.

Other Areas to Check

While you are out there, check the landscaping to keep water away from the house. Install plants or remove plants that will keep water away from the home and from accumulating under the home.

Also, do HVAC maintenance so you can make sure that is functioning properly and not leaking water. If your home is older, the HVAC system could need replacing. You may want to have an inspection done to see how much life is left in it.

When to Call a Professional

Call a professional if you need help checking the crawl space area or cleaning it. They are trained in that area for inspections and can let you know what is going on and fix it. Some things in life are better left to a professional and this is one of them.

Conclusion

Crawl spaces are important to keep clean so the air your family breathes is healthy. The last thing you want is animals building nests under your home or mold growing. We will inspect your crawl space during our inspections in the Northeast Florida areas. Questions about your crawl space or in need of our services? Comment below!

How to Remove Mold From Carpet

November 25, 2020/4 Comments/in Mold/by BJ Johnson

Carpet is beautiful in a home and especially feels good under your feet in the bedrooms of the house. But what happens if you have an unexpected water leak or water got in your home and now you have mold growing? Unfortunately, mold spores like moist carpets because of the thickness of the carpet and the backing holds in the moisture well. How do you remove mold from carpet? You can remove it with several things: Vinegar and baking soda, antifungal cleaner, or bleach. Use bleach as a last resort as it can bleach the carpet.

Let’s take a look at why this is necessary, how mold grows, how to remove the mold safely, prevention of future mold growth, regular maintenance, and when to call a professional.

Why This is Necessary

Mold spores can grow rapidly in moist areas and lead to health issues and destruction in a home. When you find mold, it is important to remove the mold from the carpet right away. Your loved ones can develop upper respiratory issues such as severe asthma and eye irritation. Also, many families have young ones who crawl or play on the floor. Playing near mold can send the spores back into the air and spread them around the home.

Mold also will smell musty and that smell will linger through the home. If you have just a small amount of mold, less than 10 square feet (3in x 3in patch), you should be able to remove it. If it is more than that, or you had flooding that included sewage, hire a professional to remove the carpet and replace it. Mold on throw rugs that can be washed can usually be cleaned and salvaged.

How Mold Grows

As mentioned above, mold spores are in the air and will fall and grow in moist areas. This is often seen in bathrooms because of the high humidity and moist conditions. The moist carpet will lock in the mold and it will start to multiply. Often, our nose will smell the musty air before we even see it growing. This is a good reason to act quickly when mold appears.

Also, pay attention to the walls nearby to make sure the mold is not growing there as well. If it is, you could have a bigger problem on your hands.

How to Remove Mold From the Carpet Safely

Ventilate the Room

Open a window and door if possible to get the smell and moisture out. Even though not all molds are hazardous, it is important to prepare yourself with a facemask, rubber gloves, and eye protection. If you can remove the rug, take it outside in the fresh air to air out for about 48 hours.

Lift Up the Area of the Carpet That is Moist and Has Mold

If the mold is in a small area, you can clean it. If the mold is on the backing of the carpet, you may need to replace it. However, you can remove the mold from the carpet by cutting it out. Leave a border of about 12 inches around and add in a replacement piece. If this does not work, then you will need to replace the carpet.

Baking Soda Has Been Used for a Long Time as a Cleaner

Put baking soda on the mold and let it sit overnight. The baking soda will soak up the odor and the moisture. Then, the next day, add some vinegar to the mold spots and scrub the surface using a scrub brush with a handle. Also, scrub the back of the rug or carpet.

Vacuum the Remnants If You Have a HEPA Filter

Be sure to change out the vacuum filter before using it again, as it will contain mold spores. If your vacuum doesn’t have a HEPA filter, use a broom and dustpan instead. Have a trash bag handy to dump the remnants of the mold into the bag. This is important so you keep the spores out of the air and get them into a bag to discard.

Open the Windows, Use a Fan or Dehumidifier

The carpet will be moist again from the vinegar so open the windows or bring in a fan or dehumidifier to dry out the room. White distilled vinegar is a fantastic cleaning agent that does not harm your health, objects, or the environment. Anytime you can use vinegar before other chemicals like bleach.

Use an Anti-Fungal Spray to Remove Mold From Carpet

If the baking soda and vinegar did not work, next try an anti-fungal spray. Before you resort to using bleach, keep your lungs healthy and the environment happy, and use an anti-fungal spray. You can find this spray online or at a local hardware store and choose one safe for carpets.

Below Are the Steps to Using the Anti-Fungal Spray

Spray the area of the mold and about 6 inches beyond with the anti-fungal spray and let it sit for about an hour.
After one hour, blot it with a disposable rag so you can soak up the excess spray and let it sit for 24 hours. Don’t try to dry it yourself, but instead set up the dehumidifier or have the heat turned up in the room so it will dry naturally. Leave the room as it is. Keep pets and children away from the area.
Clean a scrub brush that has a handle with warm soapy water so you know there is no mold residue left on there from using it. You don’t want mold spores flying around.
Once the carpet has dried, repeat step 1. Use a clean rag to blot and let the dehumidifier or heat run for a few more days to ensure the mold is gone.
Check the carpet every few weeks to make sure it isn’t coming back and again at the one-month mark.

Use a steam cleaner- you can use a steam cleaner to clean up the mold as well. The heat from the steam will kill the mold and the bristles on the brush will help loosen it up in the carpet.

Prevention of Future Growth of Mold in the Carpet

Potted Plants- When using potted plants in the home, make sure there is a mat between the bottom of the potted plant and the carpet. This will keep moisture from building up and causing mold.
Firewood– If you use firewood, make sure there is a moisture barrier between the firewood and the carpet.
Dehumidifiers– If your home is humid, investing in a dehumidifier is essential. This is a great way to eliminate the high moisture in the air, create low humidity, and will also save your hardwoods and art from being ruined due to the moisture. Humidity levels should be less than 60% and running the air conditioning will help with this.
Air purifier– This will help clean the air and get rid of the spores. It will be good especially for those with a sensitivity to mold.
Running the air conditioning on the “auto” setting instead of the “on” setting will keep the humidity lower in the home.

Home Maintenance to Avoid Mold in the Carpet

Replace the air filter in the home every 3 months and make sure it filters out allergens such as mold and dust.
Vacuum often– this will help get the mold spores off the carpet that may be tracked in the home.
Painting- keep up with painting the outside of your home. Often when builders paint the outside of a new home, they don’t use quality paint so unfortunately, water can come into the home. You may need to invest in painting the home again yourself or hire a professional to do it.
Roof Maintenance– check around your roof after damaging storms to see if there are any leaks or issues. Making sure shingles are in place and gutters are not clogged is a good idea. Water can get into the home if shingles are missing or gutters back up.

When to Call a Professional to Remove Mold From the Carpet

If you have tried the ideas above and cannot get rid of the mold, it may be time to call a professional. Also, if the area is bigger than 10 square feet or you have health issues, call a professional to diagnose the problem. Often the water may be coming from somewhere inside the walls and a professional can do a thermal imaging inspection and find the source of the water intrusion.

Conclusion

Mold is nothing to play around with and it needs to be taken care of as soon as it starts growing. Need help getting rid of it or have other ideas for removing mold from carpet? Leave us a note below; we would love to hear from you!

Why Do The Windows Leak When it Rains?

October 11, 2020/3 Comments/in Home Inspections/by BJ Johnson

Depending on where you live, you may get a lot or very little rain. So when it rains, you may or may not notice if your window leaks. Next time it does storm, take a walk around the inside of your house and look for rainwater coming in through the windows. Why do the windows leak when it rains? It could be because of the cracked sealant, gutters, or missing flashing to name a few.

Let’s take a look at problems with window leaks when it rains, how to find the source of the window leaks when it rains, and how to prevent future leaks.

mold-on-ceiling — Rain water can soak through the second floor and cause mold to grow on the ceiling

Problems With Window Leaks When it Rains

No one wants a leaky window in the home. We all know that water coming into a house and mixing with drywall, flooring, etc. is not a good combination and there can be big problems that result from this. Let’s look at some of those problems below.

Mold Can Grow From Window Leaks When it Rains

As the water seeps into the home from the rain, it causes the mold spores to grow. This starts 24-48 hours after the water begins to come into the home. Once you see the mold, you will need to call a professional to help get it out of your home.

Rotting Wood

As water comes into the house when it rains and continues to soak specific areas, it also starts to cause the wood to decay and house deterioration. This can happen anywhere in the home and cause structural issues.

Electrical Hazard

Rain coming in through the window can cause an electrical hazard if there is an outlet near the point of entry or where the water spills over to the flooring. Be careful about using any electrical outlets that have been near a leak. It is best to choose one away from the water to be safe. Ask an electrician to take a look at an outlet you think has been exposed to water before using it.

Discolored Walls and Loss of Aesthetic Appeal

Walls can become discolored due to the water leaking around the windows. The colors can be yellow, brown, or create a ring where the water has come in. They make the house look less appealing, may cause mold, and mildew and is something to take care of right away. One way to fix this is to use a stain blocker type paint to cover it up. However, do this after fixing the water problem.

Drop in Home Value

While the water leak continues, the home value can drop if it is not taken care of. The home is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make and you want to be able to get the longest amount of years out of it as possible. The last thing you want is for a known problem to start to cause deterioration on your house and a drop in home value.

How to Find the Source of the Window Leaks When it Rains

Forming of Condensation

This effect shows poor insulation and where the warmer area in the home has met with cooler areas outside. This can cause damage just like rainwater so it is important to have it checked out.

Wall Leaks

The leaks may not be from the window after all and actually issues with siding or the roof or other areas. This can occur through damaged siding, cracked stucco, or poor paint. It is a good idea to call in a professional to check to see where the leak actually is.

Missing or cracked sealant or caulk

Sealant and caulk should be continuous around the frames. You can fill it in if it is not and this will provide more protection

Improper or Lack of Overhangs on the Home and Fascia

If you have overhangs, these should divert the water away from the home. However, the water can create puddles in the yard and splash up on the outside. Keep an eye out for water getting into the home this way and through windows. Fascia is the board above the window and should be angled away from the house. If it is not, it will cause water to come in.

Clogged Gutters Can Cause Window Leaks When it Rains

Cleaning the debris in the gutters so water and other particles can flow through and stay off the house is important. If the gutters are clogged, they can overflow and cause water to back up into the home.

Improperly Installed or Missing Flashing Can Cause Window Leaks When it Rains

The flashing is installed under the siding and keeps the rainwater off the house. However, if it was not installed properly or missing, the water can go behind the siding and then leak down the house wrap and into the opening where the window is. This can be very expensive to fix and you will need a professional.

Gaps in Siding, Loose Roofing, Unsealed Chimney

Check for all of these and seal them, reattach roofing, and seal the chimney to keep water (and critters) out.

Clogged Weep Hole

A weep hole allows the water to fall out of window tracks, not back into the home. Just like with gutters and drainage areas, keep it clean so the water can properly drain out of window tracks.

How to Prevent Future Window Leaks When it Rains

Keep up with maintenance– Check caulking around the windows, clean drain channels, check roof shingles, and caulk gaps to name a few. Spring may be a good time before the summer rains come to check. Paint around the windows disintegrates over time and needs reapplying and spring is a great time to do this as well.

Conclusion

Finally, life is busy and it is easy to forget to do maintenance on the home and to check the areas mentioned above. However, rainwater coming into the home will cause even bigger issues down the road. If you need help with figuring out where the water is coming from or need Inside and Out inspection to check around the home for maintenance, let us know! Can you think of other areas not mentioned above? Leave us a reply below, we would love to hear from you!

When to Walk Away After Home Inspection

August 18, 2020/6 Comments/in Homebuyers/by BJ Johnson

Finding what you think is the home of your dreams is an exciting time! You have looked at other houses, you have made a list of pros and cons, but you are not sleeping at night…are you having buyers remorse or getting cold feet for this upcoming purchase?

There are so many thoughts that go through one’s head when buying a home. Next step, you have a home inspector to look at your new home and the report comes back. How do you know when to walk away after a home inspection? Some issues may be cheap to fix or a negotiated expense with the seller, some may be hefty prices to fix, and walking away may be best. Let’s take a look.

Can You Walk Away From a Home After an Inspection?

The answer is yes! It is one of the most common times to walk away when a home is under contract. Buyers don’t always know what is inside the home or the parts that make up the home until the inspection is complete. This is why an inspection is highly advisable. The house may look beautiful and perfect but you don’t know what is lurking inside the plumbing, the roof, and etc. Some major issues in the report will be needing repair or replacement and they are discussed below. These issues will allow you to think about when you need to walk away after home inspection.

A. Foundation

Did your home inspection report come back with major issues? Is one of them the foundation? If yes, this may be a problem. The foundation holds up the home and is very important that it is intact.

Inspection of this structural issue is about $600 while repairs can cost from low thousands to tens of thousands depending on the issues. You will want to consult with a structural engineer for a quote if this is a home that you love and find out what the real cost will be. If it is out of your budget, this is a good time to walk away after home inspection.

B. Termites

Termites in a home are not a good thing. It can be very difficult to get rid of them depending on the extent of the infestation and the damage they have caused. However, a termite inspector will need to investigate and give an estimate to repairs. He/she will also let you know if the termites have left evidence that they were there or if they are still active. Buyers should also know that it is common for older homes in the southern states to have evidence of termites. The inspector will look to see if there is any structural damage to the property. If there are active termites, you will have to consider the cost of termite treatments (about $750) and repairs depending on the severity. Repairs can cost from $200 – $2500 or more, depending on the issues.

C. Water Damage

Water damage is another issue as there can be mold where you can’t see it. The buyer may have fixed the water issue and only the stains are left behind, but did the owner check for mold? Mold can cause health problems and can range from $500 to over $6,000 depending on the type of mold. A professional will need to come in, collect spores, and look at them under a microscope to see what is in the home.

Water damage may also mean that there are soft areas in the walls, floors, etc., and other areas of the home. Again, call a professional in to survey the issues.

D. Electrical Issues/ Damage

If the inspection report finds there is a faulty electrical system or there is damage to it, this is a problem. A faulty electrical system can cause a fire in the home and electrical sources to short out or not work properly. An even bigger concern is if the home was built in the 1970s and an electrical panel like GTE Sylvania Zinsco or FPE panels was installed in a home. Replacement of this type of panel will average about $1500. Another example could be from aluminum wiring.

Roof issue can be a good reason to walk away after an inspection — Roof needs to be intact and pass inspection to protect the home

E. Roof Issues Can Be a Good Reason to Walk Away After Inspection

The roof is an important part of a home and does need replacing over time if the home is older. Sometimes weather events can cause it to need to be repaired instead of replaced. If it is minor work, it won’t be very expensive but a professional can tell you if it is more than just replacing a few shingles.

You will need to make sure whomever you or the seller hire for the work is licensed and insured. However, if it is a major issue and the whole roof needs replacing, that can be very expensive. There can be room for negotiation with the seller to drop the price if that is something you are willing to take care of, but there are no guarantees. This type of issue also allows you to walk away after inspection.

F. Unpermitted Work Found in the Home

Homeowners often have a “friend” that can do the handyman work or they use someone who has a low quote to do the work on the home. An example would be building an addition to the house.

However, if there is no permit for the work, you risk the safety of those in the home and you may have to pay the fines the seller didn’t pay. Do you know what is inside the walls or if they are attached properly so they don’t fall in? It is risky when finding major work done in the home and no evidence of permits. This is another good time to walk away after home inspection.

G. Financing and Insurance

Pre-approval before looking at homes makes sense. You need to know the amount you are approved for and what you can afford. But, don’t go and buy a new car or furniture before you close on a home. This act can cause you to lose financing. You also want to make sure that you don’t stretch yourself too thin. Do you have extra room in the financing or your savings for any issues that come up in the inspection? Or are the issues too expensive? If it does not seem like it will work, it may be time to walk away.

You will also need to think about insurance. Some loans have requirements on inspections and some states, like Florida, have requirements on 4-point inspections as well.

H. Title Issues

Your inspection may come back with minor issues and you may be rejoicing. Then comes the title company pulling the title and there is a lien on the home or overdue HOA dues. If the seller isn’t willing to deal with these, it is time to walk away. Both of those issues don’t allow the seller to sell the house and it can’t be yours – or anyone else’s in the near future.

Conclusion

It is hard not to fall in love with a home, but it needs to financially make sense. There will always be a perfect home out there for everyone and may take time to find. Inspections by professionals do cost hundreds of dollars so budgeting for them is important if you find a home with a lot of issues. Talk to your realtor and don’t be afraid to negotiate with the seller about issues on the inspection report.

We should be aware of what is common in a home inspection versus an unforeseen issue we are unable to deal with. An experienced Realtor can help you navigate through the process. Do you have a question about an issue in an inspection report? Please drop us a line below and we can help!