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.Can you spot the problem here? We'll give you a hint... it rhymes with 'hissing clownsprout'. . . . This gutter is missing a downspout (right side). That means that all of the water from rain, melting snow, etc. drains directly into the area next to and into the foundation. As water penetrates into the foundation month after month, year after year, the foundation starts to deteriorate and the area beneath the home (crawl space) is subjected to repeated exposure to moisture (hello mold). It is recommended that a gutter system with extended downspouts at least 3-6 feet away from the home be installed to protect the wall cladding and foundation areas of the home. This is a common concern/defect that the home inspector finds during his inspections and a very easy fix!
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 The crawl space is one of the most crucial areas a home inspector should inspect. This particular opening isn't exactly large, but trust us, our inspector Rick has gotten into MUCH smaller spaces (attic openings are especially fun!). A home's crawl space often contains HVAC components, exposed plumbing pipes, insulation, and vapor barriers and/or other encapsulation materials. All of these items should be carefully inspected to ensure they are functioning as intended. Signs of trouble can also be spotted in the foundation and in crawl spaces that are wet and musty - dry is what he's looking for!
Image courtesy of Trevor Holman Photography  After all the rain from Hurricane Florence, we thought it would be a good time to remind everyone about a very simple fix that can save you thousands of dollars in water/foundation damage.
ALL of the downspouts and pipes around your home should extend at least 6 feet away from your foundation. You can do this yourself by adding flexible pipe (found at Lowes or Home Depot) to the end of the downspout, or if you want something more aesthetically pleasing, you can have piping like a French drain added below ground, leading away from the foundation. If you don't address drainage issues (like the one pictured), water - especially heavy rainfall - will continually seep into the foundation, crawl space, etc., and will gradually weaken the foundation and make your home unstable. Cracks in the foundation will eventually form under these conditions and could lead to major (and costly) damage over time.  Don't step on a crack or ... Actually this is a vertical crack. IN THE FOUNDATION. Keep your eyes peeled for tell-tale signs like this that could affect the stability of your current or prospective home. When walking around the exterior of the home and when looking inside the crawlspace (if you can get in there, you should), pay very close attention to the condition of the foundation walls. Stepping cracks, horizontal, and vertical cracks can all indicate potential problems. Sometimes these are easily fixed but sometimes the repairs can be quite costly. Our home inspector will locate and identify these types of issues so that you can make an informed decision about the next steps in the buying process.
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From Rick & Lori:Yes, we've joined the 21st Century and started a (mini) blog! Check here for great updates and tips about your current or prospective home. Archives
June 2019
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