Category Archives: Mold

Wet Basements

Written on December 14, 2012 by in Appliances, exterior drainage systems, Exterior grounds, exterior walls, Mold, Structure

The best defense against moisture penetration and the prevention of  cracks in basement walls is good drainage near the foundation wall. A small amount of dampnessmay  sometimes be considered normal for an older home, due to the older  construction methods and standards. If a  damp caoting of the foundation was appliedaround the perimeter of the foundation, it may have aged and is no longer useful. Typical lifesapn of damp proofing is about 40 years. Most codes today recommend waterproofing the basement walls.

 

If any depressions around the foundation exist, they should be filled and graded away from the house. Pitch slope of soils away from foundation. Slope should fall away from the foundation at a minimum of 1/2 inch per foot and extend at least 10 feet away from the foundation.

Verticle settlement cracking may also be noted, although most of these cracks are small hairline cracks that are not  significant structural defects.and are considered normal for most homes. Stair-step cracks/or stress cracks noted may be more of a concern and indicate settlement of the foundation has occured. These types of cracks may allow moisture to penetrate and enter the building envelope. Sealing/repointing of cracks is recommended. Reparging of a brick foundation is recommended to prevent additional deterioration.

Major cracks/and bulges on foundation wall will occur if the has been significant movement of the soil grade beneath the foundation walls.  These cracks may indicate that correction to the exterior grade is necessay, If tree roots may be  pushing against foundation where he tree should be removed. If water is moving toward the foundation pusing the soil against the basement walls, corrections will be necessary.

 

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Mold Problem

Written on October 23, 2011 by in Mold

Mold on wall

Here is a basement with excessive dampness and  mold that was noted during a recent home inspection. In the areas where the walls and ceilings are finished. The problem was caused by the sump pumps- that were no long working.  The  landlord wasn’t interested in rectifing the situation. There was one inch of standing water in almost half the basement.  Extensive areas of mold were noted on these wall surfaces.  Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone. Our home inspection company did not test for what type of molds were present unless written in the contract.  We always recommend a visit by a health professional.

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Vents Going No Where

Written on April 11, 2011 by in insulation, Mechanical systems, Mold

Whenever I inspect any house or townhouse or condo, an important part of the inspection is going into the attic and seeing that all the bathroom venting ducts are properly installed.  Sometimes the builder’s subcontractor forgets to terminate the bath vents through the roof or to a vented soffit area and the duct may be left  venting into the attic for years.  This is a serious defect.  Left unchecked, a disconnected  bathroom duct can bring a serious amount of moisture into the attic.

Bath Duct

 Improper installation can result in considerable moisture being vented into attic space.  This excessive moisture in turn will develope into condensation and then mold. Yes mold can survive even in cold places.  Moisture can also impact the effectiveness of insualtion, also cauing premature deterioration.  The staining at the ends of these ducts are evidence of such moisture.   Ducts should always vent unobstructed to the exterior.  As in the photo, the duct vents into No Where, meaning the attic space which is not good for the house.

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Condensation

Written on January 25, 2011 by in Mold, Uncategorized

In New Jersey everyone has noticed how cold it has become out of doors during the months of December and January. Usually when cold weather appears condensation is evidenced both on the exterior and the interior of one’s home. Although window glass may have condensation and ice buildup on the exterior of the house that may be annoying, the condensation that developes on the interior of the windows and doors may be more of a concern.

When excess condensation developes on the glass itself it may be an indication of excessive humidity in the house.  And this may be a reason for concern of the condition of other rooms in the house. Some areas to look for would be a general dampness in the house, staining of walls, mold and mildew smell, cracked or peeled paint, sweating or wet pipes.

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