Exterior Grounds
Grading & Drainage - Poor Drainage
Report Description:
There is an improper slope, poor drainage, or potential ponding observed. Correcting the drainage in this area to help prevent damage and/or potential water penetration is recommended.
What does it mean?
There are issues with the slope of the surface, drainage, or the possibility of water pooling in a particular area.
Improper slope: The surface may not be appropriately angled or graded to facilitate water runoff. Water should naturally flow away from structures or areas where it can cause damage.
Poor drainage: There may be insufficient or blocked drainage systems in the area, preventing water from draining away effectively.
Potential ponding: "Ponding" refers to the accumulation of water in low-lying areas, forming puddles or pools. This can lead to water damage, erosion, and even structural issues if left unaddressed.
What is the most common solution?
By improving the slope, ensuring proper drainage systems are in place, and preventing water from pooling, the risk of damage and water penetration can be minimized.
This may involve adjusting the slope, installing proper drainage systems, or implementing measures to prevent water from pooling in the area.
Depending on the complexity of the problem, you may need to consult with a landscape architect, civil engineer, or drainage specialist for assistance in designing and implementing effective drainage solutions.
By addressing these issues proactively, you can help prevent water damage, erosion, and other problems associated with poor drainage and ponding.
Vegetation - Vegetation too Close
Report Description:
Landscaping should not be planted too close to the foundation. This can lead to water intrusion. Removing any landscaping planted within 18” of the foundation is recommended.
Additionally, there may be vegetation that is overhanging the roof or against the siding. Vegetation can damage the siding and/or roofing material and create an easy way for pests to enter the home. Trimming the vegetation that is in contact or proximity to the home is recommended.
What does it mean?
This statement is advising against planting landscaping too close to the foundation of a building. When vegetation is planted too close to the foundation, it can lead to various issues, including water intrusion into the building. Therefore, it is recommended to remove any landscaping that is within 18 inches of the foundation to prevent such problems.
Additionally, the statement highlights the potential risks associated with vegetation overhanging the roof or growing against the siding of the house. Vegetation in contact with the siding or roof can cause damage to these surfaces and provide an entry point for pests into the home. Therefore, trimming back or removing vegetation that is in contact with or close to the house is recommended to mitigate these risks.
In summary, the advice is to maintain a clearance of at least 18 inches between landscaping and the foundation to prevent water intrusion and to trim back or remove vegetation that is in contact with the house to avoid damage and pest entry.
What is the most common solution?
To address the issues outlined in the statement, follow these steps:
Assess Landscaping Proximity: Begin by inspecting the landscaping around the foundation of your home. Identify any plants, shrubs, or trees that are within 18 inches of the foundation.
Remove Close Plantings: Carefully remove any vegetation that is within the recommended 18-inch clearance zone around the foundation. Use appropriate gardening tools to uproot or trim back the plants as needed.
Replant or Relocate: If desired, replant any removed vegetation at a safe distance from the foundation or relocate them to other areas of your garden where they won't pose a risk of water intrusion.
Trim Overhanging Vegetation: Next, assess any vegetation that is overhanging the roof or in contact with the siding of your home. Use pruning shears or a saw to trim back branches and foliage that are touching the house.
Regular Maintenance: Implement a regular maintenance schedule to keep vegetation trimmed and prevent it from encroaching on the house again. This may include periodic pruning, trimming, and removal of overgrown plants.
Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for signs of pests entering your home through vegetation. If you notice any pest activity, take appropriate measures to address the issue, such as sealing entry points or consulting with a pest control professional.
Consider Alternative Landscaping: When replanting or landscaping around your home, consider using native plants or those with shallow root systems that are less likely to cause issues with water intrusion or damage to the foundation.
By following these steps, you can fix the landscaping issues described in the statement and help protect your home from water damage and pest infestations. If you're unsure about any aspect of the process, consider consulting with a landscaping professional for assistance.
Doors - Improve Weather Stripping
Report Description:
The weather stripping is damaged or missing around the door or there is a gap present and the door does not seal properly. Repair or replacement is recommended.
What does it mean?
This statement indicates that there is a problem with the weather stripping around a door. Weather stripping is a material used to seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent drafts, air leakage, and moisture intrusion. When the weather stripping is damaged, worn out, or missing, it can lead to issues such as energy loss, drafts, and difficulty in maintaining a consistent indoor temperature.
The presence of damaged or missing weather stripping, or a noticeable gap around the door, suggests that the door is not sealing properly. This can allow air, moisture, and even pests to enter the building, impacting energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
What is the most common solution?
Address the damaged or missing weather stripping around the door to ensure proper sealing and prevent potential issues related to air and moisture infiltration.
To fix damaged or missing weather stripping around a door, follow these steps:
Inspect the Door: Begin by thoroughly examining the door and its surrounding frame to identify areas where the weather stripping is damaged, worn out, or missing. Look for gaps between the door and the frame where air or light may be entering.
Remove Old Weather Stripping: Carefully remove any existing weather stripping that is damaged or no longer effective. Use a putty knife or a flathead screwdriver to gently pry it away from the door and frame.
Clean the Surface: Clean the area where the old weather stripping was removed to ensure a smooth and debris-free surface for the new weather stripping to adhere to. Use a mild detergent and water to clean away any dirt, dust, or adhesive residue.
Measure and Cut New Weather Stripping: Using the measurements of the door and frame, cut a new piece of weather stripping to the appropriate length. You can use a utility knife or scissors to cut the weather stripping to size.
Install New Weather Stripping: Starting at the top of the door frame, position the new weather stripping along the edge of the door where it makes contact with the frame. Press firmly to adhere the weather stripping in place, ensuring it creates a tight seal when the door is closed.
Repeat for Sides and Bottom: Continue installing the new weather stripping along the sides and bottom of the door frame, making sure to press it firmly into place to create a complete seal around the entire perimeter of the door.
Test the Seal: Close the door and check for any gaps or areas where light or air may be entering. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure a tight seal all around.
Optional: Apply Lubricant: If the door is still not closing smoothly, you may need to apply a silicone-based lubricant to the hinges and latch mechanism to help improve operation.
By following these steps, you can effectively repair damaged or missing weather stripping around a door, restoring its ability to seal properly and preventing drafts, energy loss, and potential water or pest intrusion.
Siding - Damage to the Siding
Report Description:
The exterior siding is in need of repair. The siding on a home helps to keep the elements out of the home. Moisture needs to be kept on the exterior of the home. The inspector is unable to determine the condition of the underlying materials. Further evaluation and repair or replacement as needed by a qualified specialist is recommended.
What does it mean?
This means that the exterior siding of the house shows signs of deterioration or damage, but it's not clear what condition the material beneath the siding is in. The visible damage may include cracks, rotting, or other forms of deterioration. However, without further investigation, it's uncertain how severe the damage is or if it has affected the structure beneath the siding.
What is the most common solution?
The solution would involve further inspection by a qualified professional to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate course of action. Depending on the severity of the deterioration, repairs or replacement of the damaged siding may be necessary. Additionally, any underlying structural issues should be addressed to ensure the stability and integrity of the building.
Grading & Drainage - Siding to Ground Contact
Report Description:
The siding is in contact with the ground. This can lead to insects issues, moisture intrusion, and premature deterioration of the wood. The inspector recommends having a minimum 6" of space between the siding and the ground below and checking for any damaged trim and siding materials.
What does it mean?
This means that the siding of the house is touching the ground directly, which can cause moisture to seep into the siding and cause it to degrade faster. To prevent this, it's recommended to have a gap of at least 6 inches between the bottom of the siding and the ground. Additionally, it's important to inspect the siding and trim regularly for any damage caused by this contact with the ground.
What is the most common solution?
The solution is to create a gap of at least 6 inches between the bottom of the siding and the ground to prevent moisture from seeping in. Additionally, damaged trim and siding materials should be repaired or replaced as needed. Regular inspection and maintenance can help prevent further deterioration.
Doors - Hardware difficult/inoperable
Report Description:
The hardware on the door needs improvement. Repair or replacement is recommended.
What does it mean?
When the door hardware is difficult or inoperable, it means that the components like the doorknob, latch, or hinges are not functioning properly. This could be due to various reasons such as rust, misalignment, or wear and tear over time. As a result, it becomes hard to open or close the door smoothly, or the lock may not engage properly. To address this issue, the hardware may need to be repaired or replaced. This could involve lubricating the moving parts, adjusting the alignment, or installing new hardware altogether. The goal is to ensure that the door operates smoothly and securely.
What is the most common solution?
Inspect the components to identify the specific issue causing the difficulty. Once identified, repairs or replacements may be necessary. This could involve tasks such as lubricating hinges and locks, adjusting alignment, tightening loose screws, or replacing damaged hardware. If the hardware is severely damaged or beyond repair, replacing it with new hardware may be required to ensure proper functionality and security of the door.
Doors - Exterior Moisture
Report Description:
There are indications of moisture entering the structure from the exterior. This is made evident by the stains and damage found on the door, wall, and/or flooring material. The area is dry at the time of inspection. The inspector is unable to determine the condition of the underlying material. Further review of the installation of the door and exterior systems and repair as directed is recommended.
What does it mean?
This indicates that there are signs of water entering the building from the outside, which have caused stains and damage to the door, wall, or flooring. However, during the inspection, the area was dry, so it's challenging to assess the condition of the material underneath.
What is the most common solution?
The solution would involve identifying and addressing the source of the moisture to prevent further damage. This could include repairing any damaged exterior surfaces, improving drainage around the property, sealing any gaps or cracks where water could enter, and ensuring proper waterproofing measures are in place. Additionally, repairing any damaged interior surfaces and monitoring for any recurrence of moisture infiltration would be necessary. Consulting with a qualified contractor or building professional would be advisable to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Eaves/Facia/Soffit - Maintenance needed
Report Description:
The fascia, eaves, and soffit are in need of typical maintenance. Observations include peeling paint and separation of attachment hardware.
What does it mean?
This means that the exterior parts of the roof, such as the fascia (the vertical board running along the roof edge), eaves (the lower edges of the roof that overhang the walls), and soffit (the underside of the eaves), require regular upkeep.
The specific issues noted are peeling paint and separation of attachment hardware, which could lead to further deterioration if not addressed. Regular maintenance, such as repainting and reattaching loose hardware, is recommended to prevent more serious problems with these roof components.
What is the most common solution?
The solution is to perform regular maintenance on the fascia, eaves, and soffit. This includes:
Repainting any areas with peeling paint to protect the wood from moisture and decay.
Reattaching any loose or separated attachment hardware to ensure the stability of these roof components.
Regularly inspecting these areas for signs of damage or deterioration and addressing any issues promptly to prevent further damage.
Vegetation - Potentially problematic root system
Report Description:
There are trees growing in a manner that can be problematic for the structure. Further evaluation and repair or replacement as needed by a qualified specialist is recommended.
What does it mean?
This means that the trees near the structure are growing in a way that could cause problems in the future, such as roots damaging the foundation or branches damaging the roof. It's recommended to have a landscaper assess the situation and take appropriate action to prevent any potential issues.
What is the most common solution?
The solution is to have a landscaper assess the trees' growth near the structure and take necessary actions, such as trimming or removing trees, to avoid potential damage to the building.
Driveway, Walkway, & Patio - Cracks/Uneven Surfaces
Report Description:
There are larger cracks or uneven surfaces. Further evaluation and repair or replacement as needed by a qualified specialist is recommended.
What does it mean?
This means there are noticeable cracks or areas where the surface is not level.
What is the most common solution?
The solution would typically involve repairing the cracks or leveling the uneven surfaces to ensure safety and stability.
Doors - Tight in the jamb
Report Description:
The door is tight in the jamb. Further evaluation and repair or replacement as needed by a qualified specialist is recommended.
What does it mean?
When a door is described as "tight in the jamb," it means that the door fits snugly within the door frame or casing, making it difficult to open or close smoothly. This tightness could be due to several reasons:
Swelling: Wooden doors may expand due to moisture absorption, causing them to become tight in the jamb, especially in humid conditions.
Paint Buildup: Layers of paint on the door or the door frame can cause the door to stick.
Misalignment: The door may not be aligned properly within the frame, leading to friction when opening or closing.
Warped Door: If the door itself is warped, it may bind against the jamb.
The solution to a door that is tight in the jamb depends on the underlying cause:
Sand or Plane: Sanding or planing down the edges of the door can reduce its thickness and alleviate the tightness.
Adjust Hinges: If misalignment is the issue, adjusting the hinges to ensure the door hangs properly within the frame may help.
Address Moisture: If moisture is causing swelling, addressing the source of moisture and allowing the door to dry out can resolve the issue.
Remove Paint Buildup: Scraping away excess paint from the edges of the door and the door frame can free up the movement.
Replace or Repair: In severe cases where the door is significantly damaged or warped, replacing the door or repairing it may be necessary for a long-term solution.
It's important to identify the specific cause of the tightness in order to apply the appropriate solution effectively.
What is the most common solution?
The solution to a door that is tight in the jamb depends on the underlying cause:
Sand or Plane: If the door is too wide or thick, sanding or planing down the edges can reduce its size and alleviate the tightness.
Adjust Hinges: Sometimes, misaligned hinges can cause the door to stick. Adjusting the hinges to ensure they are properly aligned with the door frame can help.
Address Moisture: If moisture is causing the door to swell and stick, addressing the source of moisture (such as leaks or high humidity) and allowing the door to dry out can resolve the issue.
Remove Obstructions: Check for any obstructions in the door frame or hinges that may be causing the tightness. Clearing away debris or adjusting hardware may help.
Repair or Replace: In some cases, the door or door frame may be damaged beyond simple adjustment. Repairing or replacing damaged components may be necessary for a permanent solution.
It's essential to identify the specific cause of the tightness to apply the appropriate solution effectively.
Doors - Damaged
Report Description:
The door is damaged. Repair or replacement is recommended.
What does it mean?
When a door is described as "damaged," it typically means that there are visible signs of wear, breakage, or deformation that affect its appearance or function. This damage could include scratches, dents, cracks, warping, or other forms of physical deterioration. Depending on the severity of the damage, repair or replacement may be necessary to restore the door's appearance and functionality.
What is the most common solution?
The solution depends on the extent of the damage to the door. If the damage is minor, it may be possible to repair it by fixing scratches, filling in cracks, or reinforcing weak areas. For more severe damage, such as significant dents, cracks, or warping, replacement of the door may be necessary. Additionally, if the damage is causing functional issues like difficulty opening or closing the door, adjustments or repairs to hinges, locks, or other hardware may be required. It's best to assess the extent of the damage and consult with a professional for the most appropriate solution.
Doors - Loose hardware
Report Description:
The hardware on the door needs improvement. Repair or replacement is recommended.
What does it mean?
When there's loose hardware observed on a door, it means that the door's hardware components, such as hinges, knobs, or screws, are not securely fastened. This can lead to issues like difficulty in opening or closing the door, rattling noises, or even safety concerns if the door becomes unstable.
What is the most common solution?
The solution for loose hardware on a door is to tighten or replace the hardware components that are causing the problem. This may involve tightening screws, adjusting hinges, or replacing worn-out or damaged hardware. Ensuring that all hardware is securely fastened will improve the door's functionality and stability.