Things We Find

A leaking valve.  This is caused by a galvanic reaction – two different metals touching and reacting, causing corrosion. 

This dryer vent was not properly vented to the exterior, and instead terminated into the attic space. This condition could cause moisture to build up in the attic, not only causing mold to grow, but also causing a number of other moisture related conditions.

 A build up of ice on a roof, caused from poor attic insulation and improper ventilation of the attic space.  

This could cause moisture to seep into roof sheathing, causing water leaks.

This small hole could cause major water damage.

Efflorescence on brick - moisture is wicked up by the bricks and evaporates back out, causing damage. Efflorescence is a white chalky substance left behind when moisture evaporates.  Efflorescence is always an indicator to our inspectors that a moisture related condition is present.

In this picture, shower tiles have been installed over the HVAC condensate drain lines that have been directed to the shower drain. A drain cover was also missing at the shower drain. These conditions have made it very unsafe to take a shower.

These mushrooms growing out of the siding materials on this home inspection were a quick indicator that some very significant moisture related intrusion was taking place. Upon further investigation, we found that a missing window flashing above this area was the culprit of this damage.

We're not exactly sure what to think of this situation, but it gave us a good laugh!

This stairwell leads nicely into the basement level of this home, until it ends abruptly at a wall! I seriously had to look multiple times just to make sure that I was seeing this correctly! Moving furniture into this basement was most likely very difficult!

These gutters were severely clogged with debris. In fact, these gutters were clogged so badly, and for so many years, that a majority of the gutters were rotted. The clogged matter within the gutters created perfect growing conditions for these beautiful sunflowers! Needless to say, these gutters need to be replaced.

The vent flue on this water heater had an inadequate rise towards the main exhaust stack. In fact, this particular vent flue had no rise and was back-sloped. This condition reduces the proper flow of flue gases and can increase the risk of carbon monoxide entering the structure. In most cases, the vent flue should rise upwards a minimum of 1/4" per linear foot towards the flue / chimneystack.