Common Causes of Chimney Leaks

• Damaged or missing chimney cap
• Damaged bricks or worn-out mortar
• Cracked chimney crown
• Deteriorated or missing chimney flashing
• Condensation build-up inside the chimney

Signs Chimney is Leaking

• Water or condensation in firebox or the sound of dripping in the chimney
• White staining, also known as efflorescence on exterior masonry
• Water stains on the walls or ceiling near the chimney
• Damp walls or ceiling near the fireplace/chimney
• Strong musty odors, especially after it rains
• A damper that is squeaky from rust and is hard to move
• Cracks in the masonry

What to do About a Leaky Chimney

• Chimney cap repair or replacement
• Chimney flashing repair or installation
• Chimney crown repair or rebuild
• Tuckpointing to replace decayed mortar joints
• Brick replacement
• Complete or partial chimney rebuilding when the chimney damage is severe

 

For most chimney leaks it is best to leave this to the professionals and contact a reputable chimney contractor right away. Even if there are not issues with the chimney, it should be cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep at least once a year.

Negative Grade (Poor Ground Sloping)

Poor grading and drainage around the home can cause water to pool around the home and moisture into the foundation. Proper grading is needed to ensure the water moves away from the foundation and the home stays dry.

Structural Issues

Horizontal or L-shape cracks in the exterior foundation, chimneys, outdoor steps, slabs and retaining walls are indications of potential foundation issues. Cracks on walls around doorways, windows and doors that stick, and sloping floors can also be indicators of an issue.

Elevated Radon Levels

Radon is an odorless, invisible radioactive gas that forms from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. Typically, it moves through the ground to the air above and into your home. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and the number one cause among non-smokers. The only way to know is to test.

Security and Safety Features

Doors and windows have working locks, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors should be present according to the authority having jurisdiction.

Plumbing Problems

Cast iron, polybutylene, and galvanized materials are outdated and no longer meet standards and should be updated. Water should drain freely without clogging or leaking. Visible leaks could lead to mold issues and should be fixed as soon as possible. 

Pest Infestation

Wood destroying insects like termites, carpenter ants and carpenter bees can cause significant damage to the home.

Roofing Problems

Aged and faulty roofs with cracked and loose shingles, improper flashing, or debris and moss covering can cause the entire home to be susceptible to damage.

 HVAC Issues

Along with ensuring the proper functioning of AC and furnace units, the flue pipes and ductwork should also be properly installed and free from any cracks and defects.  Gas-fired furnaces should have adequate ventilation to prevent gas leaks.

Faulty and Old Electrical Systems

Exposed wiring and splices, double tapped circuit breakers and dated knob-and-tube wiring present a danger for the home. These are fire hazards and need to be updated to meet current standards. Missing or faulty GFCI outlets are a common finding. GFCI outlets should be present in any areas of the home where a water source is present, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Water Intrusion

Floods, leaking pipes in kitchens and bathroom, roofs, windows, and from the foundation with a negative grade sloping towards your home. Intrusion can also occur in doorways, vents, and heating and cooling systems. Water intrusion can lead to structural issues and mold growth.

1. Replace light bulbs with LED bulbs
2. Use energy-efficient appliances
3. Insulate your home
4. Replace shower head
5. Shade your house
6. Install programmable thermostat
7. Wash clothes in in cold water
8. Install energy efficient windows
9. Turn off the lights
10. Turn down the water heater temperature to 110-120
11. Replace or clean air filters
12. Dry clothes on clothesline
13. Fix leaky faucets
14. Fill gaps around windows and doors with caulking or weather stripping
15. Unplug your electronics
16. Fix leaky ducts
17. Use natural light
18. Use smart power strips
19. Use less water
20. Look into community incentives for energy efficiency

A home inspection offers an unbiased visual inspection of your home by a trained professional. Home inspections are a necessary part of a real estate transaction because for most, this is the largest investment you will make in a lifetime. It is important to ensure your investment is secure and you are aware of what you are actually buying.

Home inspections:

• Allows you to prioritize repairs by knowing what you need done now and what needs budgeted for the future.
• Identifies potential health issues, like radon gas and mold growth.
• Identifies safety hazards, such as faulty electrical wiring, or missing or loose stair railings.
• Gives peace of mind that you have made the right decision in your future home!

WHAT IS MOLD?

Mold is a natural part of environment that can be found almost anywhere, including inside your home. It is a fungal growth that thrives on moisture. Some molds are common in the household and present no danger to the structure or its occupants. Others can cause severe damage to your home and have serious adverse effects on indoor air quality, and by extension your health.

HOW DOES MOLD GET IN MY HOUSE?

Mold spores are nearly always present inside and outside your home. The problem arises when water intrudes and the mold finds a sustainable food source inside your home, like drywall or wood. The mold will grow, putting out increasingly more spores into the air, and ultimately impairing your indoor air quality.

Some common causes of water intrusion leading to mold include: floods, leaking pipes in kitchens and bathroom, roofs, windows, and from the foundation with a negative grade sloping towards your home. Intrusion can also occur in doorways, vents, and heating and cooling systems.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE MOLD?

Some indications that mold may be present include wood rot or water stains. If your home has had recent water damage or has excessive moisture and humidity there is potential for mold growth.

Signs of mold can also include a woody scent, the smell of mildew, rotten odors, or stale or musty air.

Mold can be visible or grow behind your walls without you seeing it. If you can see mold it is important to note that color is not an indicator of what type of mold or what hazard is associated with. Only positive lab identification can provide specific information on the type of mold, which is why sampling is necessary.

Some health issues can be related to mold growth in your home including, coughing, wheezing shortness of breath, throat irritation, headaches, sinus congestion, asthma attacks, and allergic reactions.

ARE ALL MOLDS BAD?

Not all molds are bad. Some molds like lumber molds are common in the home and present no danger to the structure or its’ occupants. Cladosporium is a common mold that can be found indoors and outdoors, it can be an allergen to those susceptible. Other molds like Stachybotrys, commonly referred to as black mold can be associated with everything from headaches to cancer.

These are just to name a few, there are many common molds. Each individual has a different tolerance to molds and their effects. It is important if you have indications of mold you seek testing, especially if you are immunocompromised or have mold allergies.

HOW TO TEST FOR MOLD?

Mold can be tested with a swab or lift tape to identify they type of mold in a specific location. The swab or tape sample would typically be taken from an area that shows mold growth or water intrusion. When sent to the lab these samples provide the number of spores and the type of mold growth in that location. An indoor air quality sample will help determine the mold species in the air and is compared with an outdoor air or control sample from outside the home. Often the same molds that are on the outside will also be present on the inside.

Beta Property Inspections in collaboration with IMS laboratories provides an easy to read mold analysis reports. These reports are generated from the samples provided and give the type of mold invading your home along with descriptions of those types of mold.