Having toured hundreds of houses, I have seen first hand what water does to damage a property. From structural issues and moldy crawl spaces, to termites on parade, there are so many expensive problems that result from moisture around your home. Pay attention to the following:
10 signs that you have a moisture problem
Exterior
These are typically the result of poor grading and drainage:
1. Overflowing gutters and disconnected downspouts
2. Cracks in your foundation
3. Water pooling near the foundation
Interior
4. Discolored deposits or flaking on basement walls
5. Leaks or drips of any size (also check ceilings!)
6. Cracked caulking in the kitchen or bathroom
7. Any sign or smell of mold or mildew (see the EPA's guide to mold)
8. Bubbling paint on your walls
9. Sweating water pipes
10. A loose toilet (the floor underneath might be rotting due to a defective seal)
Be Vigilant: Prevention and maintenance
Exterior
Inspect gutters regularly (gutter covers to the rescue)
Keep rainwater and a/c condensation pipes away from the foundation with downspout extensions
Make sure the ground slopes away from your house; it should drop 5 to 10 inches over 10 feet
Check for leaking exterior spigots
Keep up with snow removal
Interior
Run ventilation fans in bathrooms when bathing
Run the ventilation fan over the stove when you're cooking
Clear everything from under sinks occasionally to inspect for leaks
Use semi-gloss paint in kitchen and bath; it resists moisture better
Inspect all water-related appliances and equipment regularly
Keep air-conditioning drip pans clean and drain lines clear
Inspect your dryer's hose and outside vent for built-up lint every 6 months
Increase air movement with fans as needed
Insulate cold surfaces like water pipes to prevent condensation
Know where your main water shut-off valve is and test it every year
FYI, here are some downspout types...and don't forget to buy some splash blocks!
If you're feeling whimsical, go buy a dragon on Wayfair!
If you see issues and need a professional recommendation or referral, give me a call.
