Damp Walls

Damp Walls In Your Home

I posted on my blog, in November last year, about damp walls that arise as a result not having gutters on your home to control the flow of rainwater off your roof.

On Saturday I inspected a four-year-old property that had a one tile overhang on the roof, no gutters but had paving surrounding the house.

However, the external walls of the house were in a desperate state because of the three most destructive mistakes architects, developers, builders and homeowners make!

As a result, I’m going to repeat part of the issues mentioned in my blog again!

Damp walls caused by no gutters

Gutters collect the rainwater runoff from the roof, discharging it into downpipes which conveys the rainwater away from the house in a controlled manner. In addition, they also protect the timber roof structure at the eaves of the house. Furthermore, gutters protect the exterior walls, windows and doors of the house and its foundation from damp and potential damage.

The splashing up against the walls was the most serious cause of the penetrating damp on the walls of the house. Moreover, the crazing cracking (spiderweb-like fine cracking) in the plasterwork was the main indicator of the penetrating damp caused splashing up of rainwater. No cracking was observed higher up on the walls.

Even if your house has a reduced overhang at the eaves, gutters will still provide the required protection against heavy rain and wind storms your house may be subjected to.

Insufficient roof overhang at the eaves

Roofs with no gutters which have a two-tile overhang (600mm in the case of a metal roof) or less will allow water to pour from the roof close to the walls, windows and doors and the foundation.

Home Maintenance Inspection

Maintenance Inspections

Maintenance inspections are ideal for homeowners and busy homeowners who don’t have the experience or the time to maintain their own homes. Furthermore, this type of inspection is especially suited for older or physically handicapped homeowners. It is for any homeowner who wants to know what the real condition of his or her home is.

This inspection type allows you to take the next step in arranging for professional maintenance and repairs. It’s the equivalent of a home medical checkup.

A Home Maintenance Inspection gives you a full picture of any minor repairs that need to be completed before they become major repairs. I inspect from the boundary wall to the ridge of your roof and everything in between!

What is a home maintenance inspection?

A Home Maintenance Inspection is just like the inspection you can have before you buy a home.

I will check out all the main systems of your home such as the roof, walls, foundation, air-conditioning, electrical, plumbing etc.. In addition, I will flag anything that might be starting to malfunction.

I will uncover problems you have not noticed. I will detect the little signs that something is starting to go wrong. This may be small cracks, spots, uneven wear, or fixtures such as a geyser reaching the end of its life. I will also make you aware of the regular maintenance you should be doing in your house.

Like an annual physical, my maintenance inspection can catch issues early and give you the peace of mind of a clean bill of health. It’s a way to keep little problems from turning into big problems.

What happens during the inspection?

Just like at a home buyer’s inspection, I will inspect your home with you. I will show you what I find and explain what it means. You will have a chance to ask questions or get clarifications. Usually, I will also point out things you should be doing regularly to keep all of your home’s systems functioning in tiptop shape.

Furthermore, you’ll get a written report detailing everything I have found. Of course, you’re the one in charge of tackling items on the to-do list yourself. Alternatively, you can arrange for professional maintenance and repairs to be done. It is an itemised punch list to address whenever maintenance issue you choose when you have the finances available.

Do you need a maintenance inspection?

Once every three to five years, you should have me come out and do a maintenance inspection. During the inspection, I will detect minor defects before they become major issues.

Another advantage of a home maintenance inspection is that I provide an unbiased opinion. I have no gain out of the evaluation of things that need repair (e.g., your roof or foundation).

If you do suspect something is in disrepair, it’s wise to call me before you call a repair company. Repair companies have a vested interest in getting work. As a result, you have to careful in accepting what they say requires repair or replacement.

I am not trying to sell you anything. Furthermore, I’m not going to make any money off repairs that need to be done. All I sell is the truth!

Who should do the inspection and how much does it cost?

I am uniquely qualified to do a maintenance inspection because of my years of experience in the construction industry. In addition, I have obtained many inspection certifications from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).

The inspection process is exactly the same process as a Home Buyer’s Inspection. Therefore the cost will also be the same.

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Inspected Once, Inspected Right!®

SEE WHERE I INSPECT IN GAUTENG!

THE HOME DETECTIVE » maintenance list

Home Maintenance

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Regular home maintenance is important!

You should not allow minor repairs to mount up. Your home maintenance plan is essential to creating a safe environment and protecting your investment. As part of your home maintenance list the following safety precautions are essential:

Install the following

Change the locks on all exterior doors for security purposes if keys have gone missing.
Install smoke detectors on each level of the home. Install carbon monoxide detectors where any fossil fuels may be burned i.e. near the heater, gas stove, near garage entry’s, near fireplaces, etc. This is an important part of home maintenance and safety. If these devices are already present, change the batteries and make a note of when you did to schedule future battery replacements at the same time next year.
Install fire extinguishers near stoves, in garages, and keep one handy near fireplaces and woodstoves.
Create a fire exit plan to evacuate your home or business in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Clean and check your main shutoff points of water, gas, and electrical systems. These locations will have been pointed out to you if you joined your inspector during your home maintenance inspection.

Monthly home maintenance

Check that your fire extinguishers are fully charged and serviced.
Remove and replace heating and cooling filter elements. If they are the reusable type just clean and replace.
Test all Earth Leakage devices.
Inspect and clean electronic air cleaners and humidifiers.
Clean your gutters and downpipes to ensure proper water flow.
Check plumbing fixtures for leaks. A leak can happen quickly.
Check your water bill and energy bills for excessive costs. Often times these can point to a leak or even a failing electrical device, such as your refrigerator.

Spring and Autumn home maintenance

Check your roof and flashings for signs of damage.
Check your roof space for evidence of leaks. Make sure vents are not clogged. Level out the insulation if necessary. Often when windy the insulation around your vents will move around.
Clean gutters and downpipes and check for signs of leaks.
Trim back trees and shrubs away from the home.
If you have a basement check for evidence of leaks.
Check all walkways for movement and repair any trip hazards that may develop.
Clean and operate all windows and doors.
An important part of home maintenance is to check exterior hose taps for leaks and repair.
Test your pressure regulating valve on your hot water geyser or cold water service into your home.
Inspect for the evidence of vermin, termites and insects, treat as needed.
Test your garage doors and clean and lubricate all moving parts.
Clean or replace exhaust fan filters.
Service, clean or inspect all major appliances in your home per manufacturers recommendations.
If you have a swimming pool, check the pump and pool filter operate properly.
Test the pool water.

Annual home maintenance

Replace all smoke detector batteries and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
Have all heating, cooling and water systems serviced and cleaned.
Inspect chimneys and clean them.
Examine all electrical panels and operate breakers to ensure they are not sticking. FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY, DO NOT TAKE THE COVER OFF THE PANEL!!
If you have a borehole, have your borehole tested and have your pump and service tank inspected for leaks or evidence of wear.
All homes are suspect of wood-destroying insects (termites, carpenter bees, carpenter ants, etc.). Have your home inspected annually by a professional and treated if necessary.

Every home should be inspected at least every third or fourth year as part of a regular homeowner maintenance and safety program.

I inspect homes for maintenance issues for homeowners. A comprehensive report with photos is your answer to keeping your home shipshape and protecting your investment!

Get a FREE Quote NOW!

Inspected Once, Inspected Right!®

SEE WHERE I INSPECT IN GAUTENG!

THE HOME DETECTIVE » maintenance list