5 Areas Where a Home Inspector Might find Water Damage

A common finding on many home inspection reports is water damage.  In addition to damaging the structural materials of a home, water promotes unhealthy mold growth.  This can pose a risk to individuals who have respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma.  Unfortunately, water leaks can be difficult to identify before causing costly damage.  In many instances, it takes the experience and expertise of a professional home inspector to find them.

The following are the 5 areas of the home that are prone to water damage but often go unnoticed until detected by a home inspector:

Attics and roofs – the roof is the first line of defense against the weather and when it starts leaking, you’ll often get an accumulation of water in your attic.  Since most individuals rarely go into this area of the home, it’s not surprising that any build-up of water and the ensuing damage goes unnoticed.  Water will destroy any belongings that are stored in your attic and at the same time can ruin ceilings, insulation, and more.

Basements – any common area that is prone to water damage is the basement.  Water can enter this area as a result of flooding, leaking pipes, and seepage resulting from improper grading.  Consequently, it’s essential that homeowners waterproof this area.

Bathrooms – it shouldn’t surprise anyone that bathrooms are prime targets for water damage.  When you consider that pipes feed toilets, bathtubs or showers, and sinks and that people use these fixtures on a regular basis, there’s a potential for leakage and eventual water damage. It is important to keep a check on these aspects regularly so that if you notice any leak or pool of water, notify the plumbing company.

Doors and windows – these are two other areas where we see water entering the home and eventually causing damage.  Water usually leaks inside when doors and windows are not sealed properly or the weather stripping has deteriorated with age.  If you caulk and add weather stripping to door gaps and window cracks, you can prevent water leaking in these areas.

Plumbing-related areas – wherever there are pipes, there is a potential for leaks and water damage.  This includes pipes that feed dishwashers, sinks, washing machines, and areas where pipes are exposed or inside walls.  Consequently, leaking pipes inside walls will damage drywall, insulation, and lumber.

When water is leaking inside of a wall, the damage is usually evidenced when paint starts peeling off.  Thus, if you’re concerned about water damage in these areas, a professional home inspection will confirm whether or not there is an issue.  For more information, call Florida Inspections Unlimited today at 305-910-1171.