Home Inspector Lakeville | Home Inspection (952-583-3701)
You expect your home to be a comfortable place to live, but you have a hard time enjoying it when you run into moisture problems. Excessive moisture in your home can cause several issues. The foundation can develop cracks and sags, which spells long-term trouble for the property. You could end up needing to fill cracks in the foundation or put in more structural support for the rest of your house. These repairs have substantial costs associated with them.
With excessive moisture in your house, you and your family also face health risks, such as respiratory infections, asthma attacks, and overworked immune systems. And, dust mites love this type of environment, as they thrive in humidity. If you have a dust mite allergy, you’re in for a constant battle. Not only will you probably experience frequent allergic reactions, but your immune system will have to focus a lot of its attention on the mites, leaving you susceptible to other infections.
When the inspector comes into inspect for moisture they will look for the following indications:
- Wall, Ceiling and Floor Problems- The inspector will pay close attention to the condition of your walls, ceilings, and floors. These areas are sensitive to moisture and show clear signs of problems. Bubbling paint occurs when water pools under the surface, and it can also discolor the surface. Peeling wallpaper, water stains on the floor and other abnormalities can clue you into what’s going on.
- Condensation- The inspector will take a look at your windows. It is normal to see condensation on the outside of the house, particularly on hot, humid summer days when you have the air conditioner running at full blast. However, when you get condensation on the inside of the windows, you’re looking at a major problem. Modern homes have many features that improve your energy efficiency, but they also stop natural air ventilation. If you have a moisture problem inside the house, this air has no way to get outside. Water vapor occurs naturally from everyday living, but when the humidity gets too high, you see water showing up on the inside of your windows.
- Rusted Pipes- Your pipes run throughout the house to feed water to your bathtubs, showers, sinks, water heater and many other areas. If the metal gets rusted, holes could develop and leak water. Over time, this liquid builds up inside your home and causes damage. Water also gets where it’s not supposed to, such as in between your walls, on electrical systems and through your flooring.
- Musty Smell- Your air quality suffers when you have too much moisture in your home. The inspector will Spend some time outside of the property, and take note of the air’s smell when they walk through the door. Stale and musty scents indicate significant moisture, as well as potential mold and mildew. This stagnant air is unpleasant to breathe, and you run the risk of developing respiratory problems if you are exposed to it for too longs
- Rotted Wood- Do you love the exposed wooden beams and paneling? They give you another important clue about moisture levels. If the wood shows signs of rot and green mildew areas, you’re facing a big problem. Not only do you have this surface damage, but you could be dealing with structural problems as well.
To protect you and your home, schedule a moisture inspection today!