subject: Common Problems Found During A Home Inspection [print this page] Common Problems Found During A Home Inspection
There are many common problems found during a home inspection that can affect the habitability and safety of a home. Because of this reality, a home inspection should be performed even if it is not required. The inspector is considered a non-partisan observer because he or she has no interest in whether the home passes inspection or not. This individual is simply looking at different aspects of the house to determine if it is safe to live in or not.
The Top Defects Found In A Home Inspection
More often than not, the roof is the culprit when it comes to major problems. Roofing defects, caused by aging, lack of proper maintenance, or improper installation are likely to be found on the majority of houses. The resulting harm can be seen in water damage, shingle deterioration, and weak or broken rafters. Other major issues found in a home inspection are drainage problems. Foundations can develop cracks and if there are water marks around them this is a sure sign of trouble. Faulty ground drainage is often the cause with water collecting under the house rather than away from it.
Moving To The Top Of The List: Mildew
Environmental hazards are quickly moving to the top of the list. The most common of these defects have been lead-based paint, asbestos, formaldehyde, and contaminated drinking water. New to this list is mildew. Not only are spores unsightly and loathsome to breath, some species produce mycotoxins that can cause skin irritation, seizures, respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and fatigue. Inspectors will make note of a potential problem if they see water damage, leaky pipes, or standing water; however, special mildew testing is often required to determine if a spore problem exists.
Mold Testing Can Unearth Serious Defects In Houses
Mold testing will determine if there is a problem. Mold testing includes air sampling, swab and tape lift sampling, borescope and visual inspection, moisture mapping, thermal imaging, a relative humidity check, and a building analysis. Once the spore testing is complete, samples are analyzed by certified microbiologists who issue lab reports based upon their findings. If a mildew problem exists, mold testing will establish where the source is and how severe the contamination is. Once the extent of the problem is known, a mold removal professional will be needed to eradicate the problem.
Mold removal begins when a fully trained and certified spore removal team begins to work. A certified removal team will eliminate visible as well as hidden mildew sources. The team will clean the air with specialized equipment, wipe down surfaces, apply antimicrobial treatment to affected areas and areas that could become a home for mildew growth, dispose of items such as floor boards that cannot be cleaned, and clean and treat the ventilation system. At the end of the mold removal process, the remediation company will achieve a successful clearance test indicating that mildew has been eradicated.
