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All In One Home Inspection Newsletter |
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| Spring Newsletter | Spring 2011 |
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Joseph Fleming III, PE - Owner - Home Inspector
Joseph Fleming is a licensed Home Inspector in NJ and NY and a Professional Engineer. He is a member/officer of the Garden State Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) |
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Schedule Your Appointment Online
It is now possible to schedule your home inspection online. Go to our website and check it out: Schedule Here
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Welcome
Welcome back to our seasonal newsletter!
We look forward to inspecting homes in the warmer weather, especially after weeks on end of knee deep snow and not being able to see anyone's roof. Now that you and your family are spending more time outdoors, it is time for outside maintaince, carefully check to see if your gutters and downspouts have been damaged from snow and ice damming. This is the time to fix any winter damage to your roof drainage system. It's about preventing any leakage into the interior space of your home, especially the basement. This leads into our Spring topic Basement Moisture and Humidity.
Of course we have our checklist to help you out.
Enjoy reading our newsletter!
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Hedging on the Chimney
Source: ASHI Reporter Magazine March 2011
A team of landscapers was sent in to try to locate this 'alleged' chimney.
Of course this chimney probably has several different kinds of wildlife living around it. The vines will trap moisture and dampness against the siding leading to deterioration and rot of wood siding components. Vines will plant their roots in the cracks and gaps of the mortar between chimney bricks, loosening bricks and weakening the chimney. Carpenter ants will climb the vines in the cool shade of the leaves looking for a place to enter the home, most likely where the vines have pried the siding loose. And don't forget about those termites having a sheltered path up the foundation and siding. For those who like vines, they are OK if you view your chimney and siding as consumable items.
If anyone has an interesting picture to share, please send it to us.
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Basement Moisture and Humidity
From my experience inspecting homes, one of the big potential problem areas is basement humidity and moisture. The problems are compounded if the basement area is finished. Very often poor drainage around the exterior of the home and foundation is the root cause of moisture and dampness. Puddling water against the foundation always finds it way in through cracks and gaps. I am always recommending landscape improvement to local grading around the home with longer leader extensions on the downspouts to help reduce the amount of moisture trying to find its way in. Most basement are subject to periods of higher levels of humidity, especially in the summer months. The earth that surrounds the home's foundation is typically damp and that dampness will pass through the porous brick, block or cement walls of the foundation. If the humidity and dampness are not managed it can cause mold build up and damage to the basement area. Finished or unfinished, the basement humidity needs to be collected and removed to help prevent damage to the home's interior. Dehumidifiers are generally helpful to keep humidity levels in check.
French drain systems are generally installed when lawn grading and roof drainage system improvements do not appear to correct basement moisture and dampness. It would be cost prohibitive to dig down outside the foundation to seal the outer wall of the foundation so instead any moisture trying to get in is collected in the less expensive but generally effective interior French drain system.
When the plan is to finish the basement I always recommend the installation of a French drain and sump pump system to help protect your big investment. The basement may appear dry in every way, but they all seem to get some moisture during that once in a 100 year storm that we seem to get every 5 years. The French drain and sump pump will help prevent damage to interior spaces. 
A more comprehensive article can be found on our website regarding basement moisture and humidity at the following link: Basement Moisture Problems
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Spring Checklist
It's getting warmer everyday, so its time for the annual All in One Home Inspection maintenance checklist. Print and use the checklist to see if your home is ready for spring!
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System
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Check
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- Air Conditioning
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Check that the exterior AC condenser unit is clear of garden debris, shrubs and bushes.
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- Furnace Humidifier
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Turn the control and water off. Close the air duct damper. Does the water panel need changing?
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- Return Dampers
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If rooms are equipped with high and low HVAC returns, open high returns and close low returns for cooling season.
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- Whole House Fan
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Check the fan belt. Lubricate the motor and fan bearings. Clean fan blades, bug/vermin screens and louvers.
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- Gutters and Leaders
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Clean gutters, make sure downspouts are attached and leaders are extended.
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- Roof
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Inspect roof for damage. Trim trees branches if overhanging or touching roof.
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- Roof Vents
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Inspect for damage or bird nests.
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- Chimney
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Inspect for damage to chimney cap, flue cap, chimney flashing at roof, bricks and mortar.
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- Sump Pump
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Test sump pump to make sure it removes water from the sump well.
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- Exterior, General
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Check the caulking at window and door frames. Check condition of exterior paint on wood window frames and siding.
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- Exterior, Grounds
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Check that grading of soil and hard surfaces slopes away from foundation and garage openings.
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- Attic
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Check for signs of leaks, condensation and mold buildup.
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- Attic Fans
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Check operation of thermostatically controlled attic fans. Clean fan blades and bug/vermin screens.
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- Gable Vents
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Make sure vermin screens are in place and free of debris.
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- Basement
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Check for signs of foundation cracks, structural movement, leaks, rot and mold buildup.
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- Crawl Space
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Check for adequate ventilation to remove excess moisture. Open exterior vents for the summer.
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- Dehumidifier
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Clean filters. Set basement dehumidifiers for 50% relative humidity. Run 24/7.
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- Plumbing
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Open interior valves so that exterior spigots are pressurized for the summer.
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- Clothes Dryer
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Clean lint from duct and from unit per manufacturer's instructions.
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- Sprinklers
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Service and start system.
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- Decks
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Clean walking surfaces of debris and algae. Check deck railings and repair any looseness.
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- Birds
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Look out for unwanted nests, birds are aggressive about nesting this time of year.
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- Termites (WDI)
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Termites and other Wood Destroying Insects will attack soft, moist woods that are easy to get at.
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- Bees
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Bees will start forming nests soon. Small nests are easier to clean away.
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For more seasonal maintenance tips, check the website from How to Operate Your Home. If you need help, call us for a referral (201-263-0040). |
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Thank you
We're always happy to help you with any questions or problems. Please keep referring us to your family, relatives, friends, and neighbors. If you would like to read our previous newsletters, take a look at our website. If you have any suggestions for blog topics, please let us know.
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All In One Home Inspection provides the following services:
- Home Inspections
- Commercial Inspections
- Radon Tests
- Wood Destroying Insect Exams
- Air Quality Sampling (Mold Testing)
- Home Inspection Consulting
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 Area of Coverage:
We cover the following counties in New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Union and Warren.
Click on the picture to enlarge it
We also cover Rockland county and the 5 boroughs of New York.
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Our philosophy is clients for life. |
Developed and maintained by Martha Schokker
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