Exterior Wall Inspection

In most residential structures, the exterior walls are either wood frame or masonry, or sometimes a combination of the two. The one made of masonry is commonly called a veneer wall. The exterior walls rest directly on the foundation and are bearing, or load-supporting, walls, because they support the roofing, the floors and the vertical loads imposed by other building components. The outer covering of the exterior walls provides protection from the weather and in addition, if properly installed, it minimizes the flow of air, moisture and heat into or out of the structure.

The condition of the interior and exterior of the building structure must be checked during your regular scheduled home inspections. A wall inspection is not only necessary for home improvement, but it is essential in determining the stability of retaining walls, designed to hold back pressure. When you request an inspection, ask the home inspector to also make a climbing wall inspection, checking for deterioration or failure, and a drywall inspection (or a pre dry wall inspection, if this is the case). Because of the interactions between the structure and the roofing system, defects within a structure can severely affect the roofing system. A building structure inspection should be conducted on both the exterior and the interior of the building structure, and should include the following:

Inspecting the Interior Building Structure

If you have a drop ceiling, the interior can be checked by removing ceiling tiles. The walls should be inspected for settling, cracking or movement. If it is made of metal, the decking should not be rusted, and if it is made of wood it should not be deteriorated. A concrete deck should be inspected for spalling, cracking and/or distortion of the deck to detect possible structural defects. Any or all of these items can affect the roofing system. If you encounter any of these items, contact Charter Roofing and Waterproofing for an evaluation.

Inspecting the Exterior Building Structure

The building structure exterior should be inspected for open mortar joints, concrete spalling, poor laps in siding, loose fascia or general degradation that could affect the safe condition. Any of these items will allow water and moisture penetration, which may have a negative impact on the roofing system and the structure itself. If the exterior walls present new water stains, it may be an indication that the coping or other terminations are leaking.

Roofing Tie-In Inspection - Ensuring Safe Condition

Tie-in areas should be paid particular attention during a home inspection and checked for any sign of deterioration or failure. Tie-ins have different materials in contact, which may create an area of stress. During a wall inspection, the sealants and other items in these areas should be reviewed for cracking, splitting or gaps.

HVAC Unit Inspection - Quality Control

First of all, homeowners should make sure that any small, sharp debris is removed from the roof. Look around air conditioning equipment, other penetrations and elevation changes, as well as areas of access. Air conditioning systems should be checked to ensure that access panels are properly fastened in place and that drainage lines are functioning properly. An air leakage test may be a good idea, as clogged drain lines and missing panels are items that create leakage into the structure.

If a ballasted system has been installed, make sure that the ballast is evenly distributed. When inspecting the ballast, take extreme care reviewing the corners, perimeter, and around penetrations for bare spots due to the increased wind effects in these areas. The ballast should be redistributed, taking care not to damage the roofing system. If your home inspections reveal that the ballast is being moved repeatedly, it may be necessary to place an interlocking paver system in these areas. The even distribution of ballast may be directly correlated to the longevity of the roofing system.

Risk Management Program - Mold and Home Inspections

Home inspections are a standard part of any real estate transaction, however making sure the roofing is sound and the plumbing is up to code is not enough. A mold inspection should be included to ensure the quality control and the safe condition of the building.

Mold is very common on outdoor climbing walls, but if left to circulate indoors it can cause severe health problems such as asthma. Mold thrives in damp conditions and can grow on wood, carpet, insulation, cloth and even food, as it reproduces through airborne spores which germinate and travel.

Maintaining a clean, dry home is essential to avoid mold infestation and increase the safe condition and stability of retaining walls. As part of a risk management program, sources in and around homes should be inspected as well, as broken pipes, windows or older doors that lack good seals, roofs that leak, and any cracks or holes in the building can create a dangerous environment. A pipe inspection camera can be a great tool in this regards, especially since if flooding has occurred, it is vital to make sure the water is thoroughly dried up in order to avoid festering water and dampness.

Where to Look for Mold During a Wall Inspection

First of all, check for odours, as they can help you detect mold faster than even the most helpful reviews on the matter. If you’ve had a leak somewhere in your home, most likely you will smell the mold before you can actually see it. If you suspect a problem, contact a mold inspector as soon as possible, as home improvement and the safe condition of your home are a top priority. Check for odours near your air conditioning ducts, registers and coils, look for spots in basements and closets, spots on water damaged building materials, check the window caulking, inspect the baseboards, or get a pre-dry wall inspection during construction or a dry wall inspection so you can ensure the quality control and the safe condition of your building structure is handled properly.

Find a Certified Mold Inspector - Qualified Wall Managers

Mold inspectors are trained to follow certain standards of care, and a number of federal agencies and professional organizations have made great references that help define standards for mold practice. Although there are no national or state-recognized mold certifications, the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the American Society of Safety Engineers offer credentialing programs. Still, such credentials should be combined with professional education and experience, not just in mold inspection and remediation, but also in areas such as building structure inspection and data interpretation.