A building inspection is a very important component in the property purchasing process. I say 'building inspection' because prior to settlement home inspectors conduct inspections of residential, as well as commercial buildings. This is done to minimize the risk in purchasing a home or commercial property. Anytime a purchase is being made, there is some level of risk in making that purchase. It is the job of the home inspector, with his or her vast knowledge of building science, construction, and design to uncover the potentially hidden problems that may be present in a given structure. The average property buyer is not trained to find such problems, so the home inspector is heavily relied upon to mitigate the risk in the property purchase as much as humanly possible.

Water is a major focus for an Armored inspector because we understand that water is the single biggest problem that faces a structure. Water can cause the structure to shift or settle resulting in uneven floors and cracking in walls. Water contributes to termite activity and mold growth. Water causes corrosion and decay in building materials such as wood and metal framing. Water causes damage to personal effects such clothing and furniture. So with all the damage that we know water can cause, it is only fitting that we have a story about this powerful element.

It is very important during home ownership to monitor areas where water can penetrate the home, or where leaks are prone to occur. If your home or building has an area below ground such as a crawl space or basement, it would be prudent to monitor vulnerable areas such as window and door openings for water penetration. Keep in mind though that water does not necessarily always come from without, but often from within. When possible, monitor the plumbing supply lines and drains for leaks that can develop. Also keep in mind that leaks can develop from A/C condensate discharge lines and refrigerant lines. Appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, water heaters, and boilers to name a few can also be a cause for leaks and water damage, so close monitoring of these appliances should be routine for the home owner.

The roof is also a known culprit for water related problems. Since there are a host of roof designs out there, many with their own weaknesses, it is a good idea to have your roof inspected on an annual or bi-annual basis. The older the roof, the more frequent the roof should be inspected to head off any potential leak issues. Chimney structures, plumbing roof vents, valleys, and flashing areas can cause leaks if not in good condition. You need to know the condition of these components to know when to anticipate potential problems with them. The roof covers the entire foot print of the home and resulting in a large amount of water that must be directed to the ground and safely away from the foundation.  Gutters and downspouts cannot be overlooked in the routine maintenance checkup. The gutters and downspouts are the roof's drainage system and play a big role in the level of water that accumulates at the home or building's foundation. If the water is not properly controlled and discharged far enough away from the foundation, this can lead to water infiltration through the foundation walls or elsewhere. Left unchecked this condition can evolve into a significant structural problem resulting in expensive foundation repairs.

There are many solutions to water intrusion issues and most can be resolved without significant expense. So as Krome battles the water villain in “Splashdown”, remember he's also here to help you when you have a water issue, you don't have to battle your water villains alone.