Home

Closer Look Property Inspections Inc.

Performing Home Inspections in Brooklyn and Surrounding Areas
  • Home

Eric Middleton
NYS Lic# 16000004785
516-455-6742
516-417-3383
seven days a week
 

  • Home Page
  • About Us
  • Blogs
  • Client Testimonials
  • Inspection Photo Gallery
  • Links
  • Pricing
  • Sample Reports
  • What's Inspected
  • Qualifications
  • Environmental Inspections
  • home inspection maintenance tips
  • Book An Inspection
  • News
Home

Blogs

Poor Site Drainage

Submitted by EricMiddleton on Thu, 09/10/2009 - 02:58.

When performing a home inspection, an inspectors job is to inspected the drainage systems on the property and give an evaluation of its condition. The drainage system is very important because water that enters the house can cause damage that can be very costly as well as cause mold, and wood destroying insects such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood boring beetles. The home inspector will inspect the gutters,downspouts, and extensions to mention a few. A closer look on these components are important because they are designed to drain water away from the house.

When inspecting the site a home inspector will also inspect the grounds. The grounds around the house should slope away from the house so that rain water will properly drain away from the structure. If the grounds have a negative slope, that is sloping towards the house, this can cause water to seep into the foundation walls and enter the basement where mold can develop. The same is true if the grounds are level, water will pool around the house and make its way into the foundation. During the winter months this could cause the foundation walls or floors to crack because of freeze thaw cycle. So a positive slope is needed for proper drainage.
Level ground and missing extension.
                                                                                
A home inspector will inspect the gutters to make sure it has a proper slope so that water will drain toward the downspout. If water sits in the gutters because of not having a proper slope toward the downspout this will cause the gutters to rust thus making it ineffective. A home inspection also examines the condition of the gutter and downspouts. Your inspector will see if they are rusted, if they are installed correctly, and if they are supported properly to the structure.

Finally a home inspector will check for downspout extensions. These are very important in draining water away from the house. Extensions should extend about six feet from the structure if possible.
These are just some of the things a home inspection will cover to ensure the structure is dry. If these things are in place, it will greatly help in keeping water and moisture out of the home.
negative slope, missing extension

»
  • EricMiddleton's blog
  • Add new comment
« first‹ previous12345678next ›last »
Syndicate content
Performing Home Inspections in Brooklyn,Queens,Bronx,Staten Island and Manhattan
Closer Look Property Inspections Inc., Copyright 2009

Website hosted by Home Inspector Pro Home Inspection Software - Admin Login