Tim Hance if All Islands Home Inspections videos restricted soffit vents at a recent home inspection. It’s important that soffit vents remain free and clear of obstructions to prevent elevated moisture conditions within ceiling cavities that can lead to structural damage and mold growth within. Thanks for watching!
Tag Archives: moisture
Is there wood debris in your crawl space?
If you can see dirt and any wood/cellulose debris in your crawl space, you should take action to help prevent elevated moisture conditions that can lead to WDO (wood destroying organism) activity and damage in your crawl space area. Any and all exposed dirt in the crawl space should be covered with a plastic vapor barrier. And debris and wood scrap, food for insects, should be removed or properly stored at least eighteen (18) inches above the ground. These pictures were taken at a recent home inspection in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island.
WHAT DO CELL PHONES, FOOTBALL DEFENSES & CRAWL SPACES HAVE IN COMMON?
Something is mesmerizing about watching a crawl space go through an encapsulation process. What do I mean by “encapsulation?” Basically, it means sealing a crawl space so that a house can avoid indoor moisture issues.
Typically, a heavy-duty polyethylene barrier is added to completely cover the crawl space—usually the floors, and sometimes the foundation walls and even the ceiling.
The process is especially impressive when you start with a dirty, damp area and end with a bright, clean space (like the one featured in the video below).
While I don’t think every house needs or should be entirely encapsulated, I always recommend that homes in our area layer the crawl space ground with a plastic vapor barrier.
This was especially evident during a recent home inspection on Lopez Island, where I noticed apparent mold growth underneath the home in the crawl space at floor joists and pressboard floor sheathing elements. I recommended the installation of a vapor barrier, covering all exposed ground in the crawl space, to help prevent recurrence.
Oh, and I should probably answer the question posed in the headline. The answer/punchline? They should all have good coverage! My wife is currently shaking her head as I write this. Regardless, feel free to use this material at your next cocktail party. You have my permission.
Do you have questions or comments about home inspections in general? Go “All” in and tweet us (@AIHomeInspect).
Mold, Moisture and Your Home
Mold Basics
- The key to mold control is moisture control.
- If mold is a problem in your home, you should clean up the mold promptly and fix the water problem.
- It is important to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.
Why is mold growing in my home?
Molds are part of the natural environment. Outdoors, molds play a part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves and dead trees. But indoors, mold growth should be avoided. Molds reproduce by means of tiny spores; the spores are invisible to the naked eye and float through outdoor and indoor air. Mold may begin growing indoors when mold spores land on surfaces that are wet. There are many types of mold, and none of them will grow without water or moisture. (read full article on InterNACHI)